- Beyond Blue Forums
- Caring for myself and others
- Staying well
- The true meaning of Self-Love
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Mark Topic as New
- Mark Topic as Read
- Pin this Topic for Current User
- Get Updates for this Discussion
- Printer Friendly Page
The true meaning of Self-Love
- Mark as New
- Follow Post
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Post
Hi Everyone,
I had a moment of clarity a couple of weeks ago when I asked myself what I would say to my young self if I had the opportunity. The years, experiences and challenges have brought greater wisdom and I feel an urge to share these words with those who need to hear them.
“Love of Self is usually seen as being conceited, being immodest, being self-absorbed, but true Love of Self is none of those things. They are merely the opinions of those who do not yet know how to love themselves.
Love of Self is appreciating what you perceive as your ‘good’ qualities and learning to accept and embrace what you perceive as your ‘not so good’ qualities. We all have them, it is part of being human because human beings are not ‘perfect’ and are not meant to be.
We are here on a journey of learning from our experiences, both positive and negative, to become a being with greater wisdom than when we began the journey.
You are as unique as your own fingerprint, there is not another person on the planet who is exactly like you. Therefore, it is pointless comparing yourself with others, you can no more be like them, than they can be like you. You are here to share your uniqueness with the world from a place of authenticity. You are here to fill a space that no-one else can fill. You are here to do what your heart calls you to do.
To put it all in a nutshell, be as kind, caring and compassionate to yourself as you are to others. Live your life as you choose to live it, regardless of the opinions of others. Love does not come from outside of you, it comes from within of you. When you have truly learned to love yourself, you will no longer look for love and validation externally because you have everything you need inside of you. At that point, you will attract people into your life who have also learned how to love themselves, people who will love you for who you are and not try to change you in any way. That sense of peace is a goal well worth striving for.”
I only wish that someone had said these words to me when I was young, I might not have wandered through life feeling so lost, but it’s never too late to begin.
indigo 💜
- Mark as New
- Follow Post
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Post
Hello Indigo,
This is a great post and something so many of us can relate to. Growing up psychologically requires as much attention and effort as physical growth. And as adults we often need to 'prune back' some unhelpful development that has hidden our true nature. My focus these days is to trust in basic goodness - both inside myself and in others. Personal imperfections and basic goodness can sit side-by-side and I want to accept and embrace it all.
Annas1
- Mark as New
- Follow Post
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Post
Hi that is so lovely what you have written. I can so relate and thank you for your wise self caring words!
- Anxiety
- BB Social Zone
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Multicultural experiences
- PTSD and trauma
- Relationship and family issues
- Sexuality and gender identity
- Staying well
- Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Supporting family and friends
- Treatments, health professionals, therapies
- Welcome and orientation
- Young people