Self-love in the month of love.

Oh February, the “month of love” is here. With the second month of the year comes Valentine's Day, and with Valentine's Day comes connotations of what love means and who it should be celebrated with.

While celebrating our most treasured relationships is important and it’s a beautiful way to remind others of how much we appreciate them, we should be taking time this month to celebrate the relationships with ourselves, too! This is the most important relationship we can have, and it sets the foundation for every other relationship. (It’s also the longest relationship you’re ever going to be in too!).

Now, many people often use the terms self care and self love interchangeably, and while they are similar concepts, I do see some important differences between them. 

Self-care refers to the intentional actions and practices we engage in to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It involves recognising your own needs and taking steps to address them. Self-care activities can include things like exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, or seeking therapy.

Self-love, on the other hand, is the deeper appreciation, acceptance, and compassion we have for ourselves. It’s about recognising your worth, valuing yourself unconditionally, and treating yourself with kindness and respect. Self-love encompasses a positive self-image, self-compassion, and a nurturing attitude toward yourself, even in the face of challenges or imperfections. 

Self-care and self-love complement each other. Engaging in self-care activities can help to cultivate a sense of self-love, while practicing self-love can enhance your commitment to engaging in self-care. Both are essential components of overall wellbeing and contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

But sometimes it can be hard to know what self-love actually looks like in practice. Because while self-care often involves immediate practices and activities to address your current needs, self-love is a long-term mindset and attitude. Self-love focuses on developing a positive and nurturing relationship with yourself, embracing your worthiness and inherent value for simply being you.

So in the spirit of the month of love, I wanted to share some of the ways I show myself self-love! I hope these things I do might give you some ideas for how you can show yourself love too - and if you’re looking for self-care ideas, check out this blog.

Treat my body kindly, by not punishing it with exercise or restricting food.

As someone who has struggled with body image in the past (and I sometimes still do), self-love starts with treating my body with kindness and compassion. Instead of punishing it with over the top exercise routines or restrictive diets, I prioritise gentle movement and nourishing foods that make me feel good. This means tuning in to my body's signals and honoring its need for rest, relaxation, and enjoyment. Whether it's a leisurely walk in nature, a restorative yoga session, or treating myself to an ice cream, I approach self-care from a place of gentleness and acceptance, recognising that my body deserves love and respect just as it is.

Going to therapy to nourish my mind and ensure that I’m always learning new ways to cope with challenging situations.

Another important aspect of self-love for me is investing in my mental wellbeing through therapy. Therapy provides me with a safe and supportive space to explore my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and to learn new strategies for coping with life's challenges. By prioritising therapy, I'm actively investing in my own growth and development, gaining valuable insights and tools that empower me to navigate life with greater resilience and self-awareness. It's a powerful act of self-love to prioritise my mental health and to recognise that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Doing things that genuinely make me happy.

Lastly, self-love means carving out time for activities that bring me genuine happiness. Whether it's going for a stroll in my favourite park, spending quality time with my fiance, friends, or family, or getting lost in the pages of a book, I prioritise activities that genuinely make me feel good. These moments of joy and connection remind me of the importance of self-love and self-compassion, allowing me to recharge and refuel - so that I can show up as my best self in all areas of my life. 

I hope you will find ways to prioritise self love this month, whatever that means for you!

If you’re looking for someone to help you on your self-love journey, I offer 1:1 counselling sessions either in person in Sutherland Shire, Sydney and on zoom if you’re anywhere else in Australia. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to vent about your struggles, unpack your thoughts, and support and guide you to help navigate life’s challenges so that you can live your most fulfilling life.

If you’re looking for counselling in Sutherland Shire or online via zoom, get in touch!