self-love
/ˈˌself ˈləv/
noun
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regard for one’s own well-being and happiness (chiefly considered as a desirable rather than narcissistic characteristic).
So that’s what Webster has to say about self-love…
Now what do YOU think?
The NJYC reached out to teachers, friends, leaders, creatives, students, and even a few family members to get a more personal definition for self-love; today’s article is filled with the beautiful responses we received.
We know February 14th is the official Hallmark day of all things hearts, roses, chocolates, and glittery cards, but in our world, THIS list is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s a reminder – with no expiration date – that true love starts with self-love.
- It’s not just about mani pedis and getting to yoga class, it’s whatever you do that makes YOU a priority. For me, that can mean anything from rearranging my closet, to coffee with a friend, or a walk in nature. In any healing profession, including teaching yoga, it’s crucial that we prioritize ourselves to continue helping others, or we’ll burn out.
- Buy yourself flowers, just because. Make yourself a cup of herbal tea. Buy yourself good essential oils and take a hot bath. Clean out your closet and give things away. Buy a rose quartz crystal and carry it around with you. Look at yourself in the mirror smile and say “I love you”.
- Ramanand Patel says that at the end of every day, we should cry a little, laugh a little, and go to sleep.
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Acceptance, honoring your journey, and believing in yourself. Have faith and think positive. Know that your happiness does not depend on someone else, but is a choice you make. Fall in love with yourself!
- Trusting myself. It requires me to have a self care routine that involves compassion for myself but also truth and a commitment to doing the inner work. It means watching the dialogue I am having with the universe. It means I allow myself to be a work in progress and at the same time recognize I am divine.
- Choosing to find joy in your life regardless of your current circumstances, pausing to enjoy the simple moments before they pass you by.
- Trusting your heart and mind enough to know when to say “yes”, “no”, “hello”, and “good-bye”.
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Being able to love yourself so much that you do not feel guilty to put your needs first. I do not mean it in a selfish kinda way. I mean it as more of a self-preservation kinda way. It is ok to love yourself enough to protect your energy. If we are constantly drained and always giving to others, then how can we give from an empty cup? Self love means filling your cup up FIRST and nourishing yourself. Setting healthy boundaries for yourself. It is knowing when to go go go and when to take a mental health day. Self-Love means loving yourself and having the strength, confidence and conviction of your own body, mind and spirit. It is more than ok to be a little selfish with yourself in that sense. Now smile at your awesome inner goddess and give yourself a big hug!
- Let go! With letting go comes new beginnings and more life to be lived and loved.
- Accepting myself as I am each day and being grateful for all of it!
- Treating yourself like someone you actually care about.
- Setting strong boundaries. Saying yes to the things that keep me in alignment with my true self and no to everything else.
- Committing to knowing myself fully and honestly, to holding myself accountable to reaching my full potential, and taking care of my body, mind, and soul every day.
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Listening to my inner guide and following through on what I need to be complete. So I can stay and feel close to the truest version of myself.
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Self love is not just a bubble bath and a glass of wine. Self love is really knowing what would make you truly happy, and not being afraid to take the steps necessary to make that happen.
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