How to Begin Loving Yourself Fully

Our society can definitely be self-absorbed. However, self indulgence does not necessarily equal self-love. Hundreds of gorgeous selfies does not mean we love ourselves anymore or less. Awards and accolades do not bring self-love either. True self-love is necessary to be a loving person to other people. So how do you love yourself? You can focus on what you can control, set boundaries with people, and embrace yourself as you are today.

Focus On What You Can Control

If you make a promise to yourself, try your best to keep that promise. When you consistently break promises to yourself, you stop trusting yourself. You told yourself that you would go to the gym everyday, then make sure you go. This is something you can control and when you make it to the gym or go on that walk, then you will feel better about yourself. This can apply to anything that you promised yourself, keep your word to yourself just like you would with someone else.

Set Boundaries

Relationships are challenging for a multitude of reasons. You can not control someone else’s behavior or feelings, but you can speak up for yourself and set boundaries with people. Setting boundaries is within your control. You can discuss your boundaries with people and hopefully your friends and family will listen to your boundaries. Speak up for yourself because no one will advocate for you more than you.

Book Suggestion: Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend: https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454

Acknowledge Your Weaknesses without Judgment

We are all a work in progress, but beating yourself up about your current circumstances will not produce growth. Embrace yourself where you are currently. You can continue to make small changes in your life over time. There is no rush. When you give yourself grace, you will feel more motivated to make those small strides in different areas of your life. Growth is a process so enjoy where you while you continue to grow.

Conclusion

No one has been harder on myself than me in all areas of my life. Beating myself up did not lead to progress. It only led to more frustration and even more depression in the long term. When you acknowledge your weaknesses without judgement, set boundaries, and focus on what you can control, self-love will begin to take shape. Loving yourself fully will give you a loving heart towards other people.

Refer back to How to Wait Patiently: https://www.bydominiqueduarte.com/how-to-wait-patiently/

Hope this helps,

Dominique Duarte