Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Love

The question of how I came to love myself was posed to me, prompting a familiar response where I listed the books I've read and philosophies I've embraced. However, it took time for me to reach a conclusive answer.

Self-love is a complex concept, often misinterpreted in ways that can actually diminish our self-regard. Many believe that it should shield us from making choices that go against our best interests. Yet, when we inevitably falter, we tend to criticize ourselves, further eroding our self-esteem.

While literature can provide valuable insights, it isn't the sole source of self-love. These resources served as tools that aided me in better understanding my inner self, revealing the essence of who I am and why I behave the way I do.

Being honest with myself marked a pivotal moment. Accepting my imperfections allowed self-love to flourish. I strongly advocate for personal growth and development, but I also had to embrace my flaws while striving for improvement.

Authentic self-respect cannot be based on a perfect image; it must encompass the entirety of who we are. I needed to reach a point where I could acknowledge my mistakes—saying, "I could have done better"—yet still maintain love for myself. It was crucial to recognize when I had hurt someone without labeling myself as inherently hurtful. I learned to investigate the motivations behind my actions, even when they contradicted my self-image, without fear of what I might uncover.

Accepting all parts of myself, including my shadow self, became the foundation of my journey toward self-love. This realization is what I would share if asked today: I stopped measuring my worth against impossibly high standards that made me blind to my own value.

Focusing on my needs, rejecting poor treatment, and nurturing my well-being are essential aspects of self-love. However, I found that solely concentrating on external validation is inadequate. True self-love is a continuous mindset and a way of life—an ongoing practice of affirming actions, experiences, and perspectives that work in harmony.

Self-love is about not letting others' opinions dictate your self-worth. The path to self-love is a journey that begins within.

The first video titled "Are you living like a run-on (and rundown) sentence?" dives into the complexities of self-love and the patterns we may fall into that undermine our self-worth. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and how they can break free from negative cycles.

Chapter 2: The True Nature of Self-Love

The second video titled "Self love isn't just a statement" emphasizes that self-love is more than just a declaration; it's about taking consistent actions that affirm our worth. It highlights the importance of nurturing oneself and setting healthy boundaries.