My Journey Towards Learning to Love Myself: A Personal Account by Alex Aubrey
Growing up, I never thought that loving myself was something I needed to learn. I figured that as long as I was doing well in school, getting along with my friends, and generally following the rules, I was doing just fine.
It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I realized I had been wrong. I found myself in a job I hated, stuck in an unhealthy relationship, and feeling generally lost and unfulfilled. I realized that I didn’t really know who I was or what I wanted, and that made it all the more difficult to love myself.
Over the next few years, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I learned a lot about myself, and I came to appreciate my strengths, weaknesses, and quirks in a way I never had before.
Here are some of the lessons I learned along the way:
Lesson 1: Self-love isn’t selfish
Growing up, I always associated self-love with selfishness. I thought that loving myself meant putting my own needs above the needs of others, and that seemed like a bad thing.
What I came to realize is that self-love isn’t selfish at all. In fact, when we love ourselves, we’re better able to love others. We’re more patient, compassionate, and understanding. We’re also better able to set boundaries and communicate our needs in a healthy way.
Lesson 2: It’s okay to say no
Before I learned to love myself, I had a hard time saying no to people. I was a people pleaser, and I didn’t want to let anyone down.
What I learned is that saying no is actually an act of self-love. It’s a way of setting boundaries and prioritizing our own needs. Saying no doesn’t mean we don’t care about other people—it just means we care about ourselves too.
Lesson 3: Embrace your flaws
Growing up, I was always self-conscious about my flaws. Whether it was my crooked teeth, my loud laugh, or my tendency to talk too much, I always felt like there was something wrong with me.
What I learned is that our flaws are what make us unique and interesting. They’re also what make us human. When we embrace our flaws, we give ourselves permission to be imperfect, and that’s a powerful thing.
Lesson 4: Practice self-care
When I was in my mid-twenties, I was working long hours at a job I didn’t enjoy, and I wasn’t taking care of myself. I wasn’t eating well or exercising, and I was burning the candle at both ends.
What I learned is that self-care is essential to self-love. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to show up for others and for the world. Self-care looks different for everyone, but for me, it means getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating nourishing foods, and taking time to do things I enjoy.
Conclusion: Loving Yourself Is Worth the Journey
Learning to love myself was a long and sometimes difficult journey, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I’m now in a job I love, in a healthy relationship, and I feel much more fulfilled and happy.
If you’re struggling to love yourself, know that you’re not alone. It takes time, effort, and patience, but it’s worth it. Remember that self-love isn’t selfish, that it’s okay to say no, that your flaws are what make you unique, and that self-care is essential. By embracing these lessons, you can embark on your own journey towards self-love and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
