“The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself. The most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle.

Self-love is so overlooked, but it's actually a fundamental aspect of personal well-being. In a world that emphasizes the importance of external validation (let's be real - social media has drastically changed the way we interact with each other online AND in person), remembering that we don't need anyone else to make us happy is important. 

You might be tempted to say, "Well, duh..." but there are actually several more reasons why self-love is vital for building confidence and reaching our full potential. Read on to see the ways self-love helps is needed this month and every month!

1) Self-love boosts confidence

When your confidence is low, it can be hard to take that leap or feel good about who you are. Worse, you may start comparing yourself to others. When comparison starts to take place, it becomes that much harder to start believing that we are good enough. It's an ugly, ugly cycle.

Instead of fixating on someone else, focus on your own journey. Celebrate your successes without worrying about how they compare to yours. Everyone has their own unique story and life experiences, so try not to place too much emphasis on what other people are doing. Remember, no one knows how hard you've worked to get here but you.

2) Self-love improves mental health

Self-love isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time to build, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you go through the process. When you give yourself grace and are patient with yourself, you'll find it's much easier to just be. Be alone, be at peace, be okay when things don't go according to plan. 

Believe in yourself, show up for yourself, and know that you're worthy of all the good things in life.

3) Self-love allows you to cultivate healthy relationships

When you love and respect yourself, you do two things: attract healthy, emotionally available people, and set healthier boundaries.  Boundaries are important for protecting your energy, regulating your emotions, and protect yourself from people who may not have your best interest at heart.

By being assertive and setting clear boundaries and valuing your own needs, you teach other people how to treat you. There is a saying that goes, "The way you treat yourself sets the standard for how others treat you," and it couldn't be more true.

4) Self-love improves self-image

In a society that places significant emphasis on physical appearance, it's common to find ourselves constantly critiquing our bodies. However, there's an alternative approach: embracing body neutrality. This mindset involves viewing our bodies as instruments to be cared for, rather than objects for judgment or criticism.

Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate your body for its remarkable abilities and talents, rather than fixating on perceived flaws or imperfections. By shifting your focus in this way, you can cultivate a more positive and accepting relationship with yourself and your physical form.

5) Self-love Inspire others

Self-love is contagious. When you practice self-love, your energy changes. You become more confident, more clear on who you are and what you want, ultimately  becoming a role model for others.

By embracing your own worth and living authentically, you inspire those around you to do the same. Your self-love journey can have a ripple effect, encouraging others to prioritize their own well-being and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves.

When you love yourself unconditionally, you don't need to rely on anyone's approval but your own.