Self-love is one of the most valued aspects of anyone’s life, yet it is also one of the easiest things to forget.
While self-love may not seem important to some, it is crucial for our well-being. We often worry about superficial concerns, such as how we are dressed or whether we look acceptable, and we avoid doing things we love because of fear of others’ disapproval. These actions might seem insignificant at the moment, but they can have long-term negative effects on our mental and emotional health.
When I was younger, I had a similar experience that almost changed my life and how I saw myself.
From a young age, I was teased about my height, which made me feel uncomfortable and insecure. Seeing my taller friends and being excluded from activities due to my stature intensified my feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Despite being better at sports, these challenges persisted, leading me to blame my classmates and school environment.
When we moved and I changed schools, I hoped for a fresh start but things worsened. In sixth grade, I was teased not only for my height but also for my slightly larger forehead and glasses, which made me more self-conscious. My parents did not believe I was being bullied and thought the problem was my inability to make friends.
Feeling unsupported, I withdrew from extracurricular activities, my grades suffered, and I isolated myself further, leading to plummeting self-esteem and a negative self-opinion.
And so, to get away from reality I started reading novels. That experience initially lowered my self-esteem as I compared myself to seemingly flawless characters. However, as I read more, I discovered these characters were also struggling with insecurities. Even though I was still young at the time this realization helped me see that dwelling on comparisons would only harm myself in the long run. So, I decided to stop caring about what others thought. It took time and wasn’t easy—I endured more abuse, and it hurt even more. But I realized that at the end of the day, I needed to help myself because no one else would do it for me.
This realization hit hard and gave my life a one eighty degree turn. It was really difficult, but I persevered, and that’s what matters most. I found myself again and am proud of it. I’m thankful for the experience because it made me stronger both mentally and emotionally. I started loving and taking care of myself. I used to hate looking at my reflection and seeing what I thought were flaws, but I grew to accept that these were simply parts of me that weren’t as perfect as others.
I realized that I was the one bringing myself down. Once I stopped, I saw that I was actually quite pretty. I grew my hair longer and got rid of the glasses and I’m not worried about my height anymore. Now, I love dressing up and often find myself admiring my reflection in the mirror. I stopped caring about what others thought and focused on myself and how I could improve.
And now, I have achieved so much in life because I started breaking out of my insecure shell and accepting myself for who I am. Let me share a little about what I am today.
I am now a professional swimmer and won the GenWe competition, placing third worldwide. I also won a national essay competition and was recognized by our prime minister. I served as the head of sports for my entire school and was part of the core committee for our school’s Model United Nations. Additionally, I was the captain of both the girls’ cricket and handball teams. I was a finalist in a design hackathon and now work part-time as a model, taking on small jobs here and there. I also love writing stories and poems and I’m in the middle of writing my first book. I am now a complete extrovert.
I went from being an insecure girl who did everything to make herself disappear to someone who embraces and celebrates her achievements. I could not be prouder. It has been hard for me to share this and tell it to the world but I want to say this to everyone out there who feels insecure about themselves and gives too much importance to others’ opinions.
Loving yourself is essential—it boosts self-confidence, self-worth, and overall happiness. As a strong, independent woman, I demonstrate self-love by setting my own boundaries and striving beyond them, without relying on others.
It’s not always easy though. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I notice imperfections and dwell on past mistakes, struggling to prioritize myself over unworthy relationships. But learning to love yourself brings a sense of liberation—it clears your mind and brings inner peace.
Forgiving yourself for past mistakes is crucial. Self-love enables you to embrace all emotions, from joy to vulnerability, and grow from them. It’s about treating yourself with kindness, nurturing your confidence, and expanding your knowledge.
Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for personal growth and fulfillment. By loving yourself, you cultivate resilience and a deeper understanding of your worth. This empowers you to make decisions that align with your true desires and values.
Regardless of gender, self-love is empowering. Embrace it fully and without expectations—it’s a powerful healing force that strengthens your resilience, especially during tough times. Remember, you are your strongest ally and supporter. Everyone is for themselves and they have to realize that they are all that matters, and loving yourself will lead to loving the people around you.
Here are a few tips to ensure self-love is a part of your everyday lives.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying no when needed.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with kind, affirming ones.
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and enjoy your successes, big or small.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with supportive people and limit negativity.
- Pursue Passions: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
- Forgive Yourself: Let go of past mistakes and practice self-compassion.
- Take Responsibility for Happiness: Make choices that align with your values.
- Invest in Growth: Seek learning opportunities and personal development.
- Seek Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support.
- Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the positives in your life.
- Live Authentically: Be true to yourself and avoid comparisons.
Loving yourself takes time and patience, but by consistently applying these tips, you can build a stronger, healthier relationship with yourself.
Written By
Author : Sristi Anand , GenWE Leader, Bangaluru