Love is a universal language, is how the saying goes. However, for some people, it is one that is impossible to understand. Whether that be because they don’t know how to accept the love they are offered, or because loving yourself is an underestimated challenge.
Self-love is something to be celebrated. To find the courage to see your own beauty allows you to see the world differently. Society fails to acknowledge that beauty itself is not a ‘one-size fits all’ concept, and really, any singular feature cannot define beauty.
You should be encouraged to love all of yourself. To be kind to the person you are on the outside and the inside, because every piece of who you are matters. Everyone deserves to feel completely like themselves and admire who that is.
Because everyone has a little love to share.
Giving yourself the same amount of love that you have for others is the first step towards a different kind of faith: faith in yourself.
Once you start believing in yourself, you can watch the world fall back into order again. Don’t be afraid to take pride in your achievements – revel in them. It’s difficult to take the time to find yourself again, but it’s a worthy challenge.
Look into your past and recognise your mistakes. That’s not who you are anymore. Forgive yourself for them. Have respect for everything you have learned since then and acknowledge your journey throughout the years and how much you have done so far.
Take ownership of your life by putting yourself first. If you suffer from ‘people-pleaser syndrome’ – take a breath. You don’t have to be afraid to say yes or no, but you should never agree to anything if it’s not what you want.
Time means so much to so many, and yours is valuable. Don’t go wasting it on things that don’t mean anything to you. Treat it like a treasure and spend it on yourself. Kick out that stupid idea that putting yourself and your happiness first is selfish, because it’s not.
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – And it’s true. To love yourself as truly as you can will allow you to be your own hero, and there’s nothing more empowering than being able to hold yourself tall.
What makes you ‘you’ is knowing who you are and acknowledging your worth.
Featured image credit: Pinterest.co.uk
Deputy Editor of Brig Newspaper. Fourth year journalism and English student at the University of Stirling. Lover of covering social issues and creator of 'The Talk' column for everyone who needs to hear it.
I am extremely proud of your accomplishments Iman. This work is insightful, inspirational and above all touching. Well done.