Self Care and Self Love whats the difference?
Hey Love, how are you? Has life felt a bit tough lately? I understand. Are you taking care of yourself?
In a motherly way I’ll seize this opportunity right now and nag you to take care of yourself…..Everyday.
The loving humans around us spread the message that by taking care of ourselves we become more efficient and more productive. This is true. Taking care of the body, mind and spirit gives us more energy, optimism, direction, focus and helps build resilience for managing our life load (work, children, commitments).
Lifestyle choices like the food we eat, the type of sleep we get, the way we manage our stress (meditation, delegating work, breathwork, self care retreats!), the way we nourish our souls and bring joy in to our life (journaling, side hustle, self development courses, alone time with a good book, setting intentions, watching the sun rise) this is all self-care.
Self-love on the other hand is a little different. Sweetie are you sitting down with a chamomile tea and a home-made Gingernut?
Self-love is when we feel connected to the self and understand the truth about who we really are. We accept and cherish ourselves as whole - always. We see no deficiency or lacking about ourselves. Instead of seeing something wrong with who we are we love it because it is part of us.
Mantra moment: YOU ARE WHOLE. You are whole just as you are, the gnarly, seemingly unlovable parts, warts and all and despite what has gone before. Because it makes up who you are. This is self love.
Based on what we have learned throughout life our inner critic tells us stories we think are true about ourselves. We aren’t worthy of love or being listened to or being happy because we are too old, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not assertive or fun enough.
Self love is connecting deeply and loving every part of ourselves. It’s loving that inner critic too because that is also part of who we are. It’s choosing habits and behaviours that are driven by love for our miraculous body and health because we know that feels right.
When we have a deep sense of respect for ourselves we relax and realise we are all that we need to be right now. We can enjoy life without worrying about our perceived flaws.
Connection, awareness, curiosity come from a place of calm and mindfulness accessed during reflective activities like meditation, breathwork, gratitude, gentle, joyful movement, journaling. Take some time to get to know yourself…..
With love always,
B x
