self love is hard to grow.
it doesn’t come all at once, but slowly, with a little bit of effort every day, it comes in cycles.
say “i love you” by slowly and reverently cleaning your skin in the morning, scrubbing away feelings of self-doubt as your exfoliate, lathering on lotion and care, smiling at yourself as you become clean and bright. sometimes you have to fake positivity at first, but the more you treat yourself with tenderness, the more real your feelings will become.
say “i love you” by using the fancy dishes, drinking the tea you saved for a rainy day, wearing your favorite socks and shoes, reading the books that have been growing dust, taking that trip you’ve always meant to take, living each day like it’s the first day. make today, right now, a special occasion that you deserve.
say “i love you” by treating yourself every once in a while, but also say it by filling yourself with healthy things that will help you grow. sometimes eating cake or buying yourself beautiful new treasures can boost your mood, but you’ll also feel better by eating lots of vegetables, drinking water, stretching, and learning that you are more than the objects you possess.
say “i love you” by taking a walk when you feel glum, taking a nap or a shower when you feel stressed, making time for food and comfort when you feel too busy for it, cleaning the clutter in your house as you clean the clutter in your head, making a to-do list you know you can handle, and giving yourself the credit you deserve for your accomplishments, big or small. sometimes a bunch of small achievements are more weighty and easier to attain than a big, lofty one.
say “i love you” by forgiving yourself for your old mistakes, learning and growing into the days to come, saying kind words to yourself, putting value on your happiness, taking care of yourself, even when especially when it’s difficult. don’t haunt yourself with your old ghosts; shift your focus on the present and what you can do now..
there’s no big event that leads to self love. no golden key, no fireworks, no parade. just little moments that build upon each other, every day. treat yourself as if you are worthy of a never-ending gift of unconditional love, and the rest will follow. slowly, surely, it will grow.
