Self-care vs. Self-love: They Are Not the Same Thing
SELF-CARE FILLS YOUR CUP, SELF-LOVE FILLS YOUR SOUL
In today’s self-development industry, the terms “self-care” and “self-love” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion.
For a large portion of my life, I believed they were the same. After all, I exercised regularly, ate healthily, and took time out to relax. But despite these efforts, I didn’t truly love myself. Let’s dive deeper into what sets these two concepts apart and how they connect.
WHAT IS SELF-CARE?
Self-care is the act of taking care of yourself. It involves actions to maintain or improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. This can include:
Basic activities like brushing your teeth or ensuring you get enough sleep.
Enjoyable rituals like reading a book or taking a bubble bath.
Stress-relieving practices like going for a walk or meditating.
While I practiced self-care diligently, I discovered that it didn’t automatically mean I had self-love.
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. – Buddha
WHAT IS SELF-LOVE?
Self-love is the unconditional acceptance and love for yourself. It goes beyond actions to the core of how you view and treat yourself. It’s about:
Knowing you are enough just as you are.
Speaking kindly to yourself and forgiving your mistakes.
Trusting yourself and prioritizing your well-being.
When we cultivate self-love, self-care becomes more effortless because it stems from a place of genuine respect for ourselves.
Self-love is not selfish; you cannot truly love another until you know how to love yourself. - Diana Ross
STEPS TO CULTIVATE SELF-LOVE
If you find self-love challenging, here are actionable steps to guide you:
Heal From Your Past: Address unresolved pain and let go of self-sabotaging beliefs that hold you back.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others: Focus on your unique journey and celebrate your progress.
Speak to Yourself Kindly: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a child or your best friend.
Get to Know Yourself: Explore your personality traits, strengths, and challenges. Tools like Human Design or Thrive Factor Profiling can help.
Align With Your Values: Identify what truly matters to you and take actions that honor those values.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say “no” to situations or people that disrespect you or clash with your values.
Let Go of Toxic Relationships: Create space for healthier, more supportive connections in your life.
SELF-CARE IS WHAT YOU DO, SELF-LOVE IS WHO YOU ARE
While self-care is about nurturing your well-being, self-love is about embracing who you are.
Together, they create a powerful foundation for a fulfilling life. Start small, take one step at a time, and remember—you are worthy of love and care. Today is the perfect day to take your first step towards self-love!
NEED SUPPORT ON YOUR HEALING JOURNEY?
If you feel stuck or need guidance on your path to self-love, I’m here to help.
As a holistic transformation therapist, I can support you in uncovering and healing the blocks preventing you from loving yourself fully.
Reach out today, and let’s work together to transform your life
To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness. – Robert Morley
