Tuesday June 17, 2025

What is self love? According to Merriam-Webster, it can be defined as, “An appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue”. The alternative definition states, “Proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being”. Many of us, however, may deem self-love as silly, cliche, or even selfish. As a wife and mother, I give proper regard and attention to my husband and daughter, and that’s not considered silly - it’s expected of me. When I give “proper regard and attention” to my family, they are taken care of and their needs are met. A child ( or an adult!) cannot create, grow, or explore if their basic needs aren’t attended to. How can you chase big dreams on an empty stomach? WHEN do you dream big without restful sleep? Going a step further, appreciating their worth helps them to feel seen and loved, accepted exactly as they are. With this type of foundation, it is my intention that they feel unconditionally supported and empowered to set goals and pursue them.

For years, I wanted to give this to my family but with no regard to myself. Needless to say, they didn’t receive all that I am capable of giving because I was trying pour from my own empty cup. The more I tried to overflow other’s cups from my own empty one, the more I realized that it’s simply not possible. And the more I failed, the more I just blamed myself for “not being good enough”. This went on for years until I was forced to slow down and take care of myself…