WHAT IS HEALTHY SELF-LOVE? by Adele Frizzell

Self-love. It’s trendy. It’s also being marketed to females just like Botox, pink labels, and female protein powder.

What does Self-love mean, anyway?

It’s a hot topic right now: people are parroting this word and hashtagging #selflove in social media, but I have this uneasy feeling that a lot of them don’t actually know what self-love requires.

“A regard for one’s own well-being and happiness”. Boom.

There is also the unhealthy version: “The instinct by which one’s actions are directed to the promotion of one’s own welfare or well-being, especially an excessive regard for one’s own advantage.” (Dictionary.com)

I see this too, in the narcissistic pursuit of pleasure and material possessions in the name of self-love.

So, what does HEALTHY SELF-LOVE look like? What are some examples?

– Going to night school.

– Cleaning the house.

– Eating more vegetables.

– Dumping a toxic relationship.

– Getting up at 5:30 am to squeeze in a workout before heading to work.

– Living within a budget because you’re saving for a dream.

– Setting healthy boundaries with people.

– Saying NO to things you want to say yes to because indulging in that purchase/dessert/party/drink/toxic relationship runs counter to the standards you’ve set for yourself.

– Saying YES to things that you want to say no to because they will help you grow as a person.

Self-love requires discipline.

It means dedicating yourself to your health and happiness.

It’s not all bubble baths and red wine and “shopping therapy”.

It’s not rationalizations.

It’s not consumerism.

Self-love is a feeling that can’t be bought: it must be earned.

It takes time to develop. It requires emotional self-discipline, respect, dedication, and commitment.

Just like any meaningful relationship.

And if you’re not ready for self-love, you can at least start with self-like.

Need a daily dose of health & fitness motivation and inspiration? Join my private Facebook community, and surround yourself with positive people. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HFandU/ .

How do you show your love for yourself? Do you pamper yourself on your Me-time? Share with us how in the comments section below.

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