Self-Love Moment by Moment

From self-help books and guided journaling to podcasts, my goal was to get to a place of deep and sincere self-love.

In my mind, that place was fixed. A final destination point. Once I figured out how to get there, it'd be easier to stay.

As much as we create structures and customs that tell us otherwise, there is very little in life that is fixed. Our world spins on its axis and simultaneously completes evolutions around the sun, while our galaxy hurtles through the Universe.

Nothing is ever stagnant. Nothing is ever still. Change is our only constant.

This summer my primary concern was, once again, fully coming to love and cherish myself. But this time, I took a different approach.

First, anytime I began to doubt my worth, I gently reminded myself that my value comes from within. It is inherent to me. And because of that, no one, or thing, can take it away or diminish it. It is in my power, and my power alone, to set my boundaries, know my worth, and love myself.

Then, realizing that everything is in a constant state of change, I concluded that self-love isn't a final fixed destination. It is a decision you make in the moment.

This is a small example, but since shaving half of my head, being in a somewhat traditional country, I've gotten more than my fair share of stares. In those moments, I can either choose to allow someone else's views or beliefs to impact how I feel about myself, or I can choose to remember that I belong to myself. Not to anyone else. And because I belong to myself, wherever I am, I belong.

Because everything is in a constant state of change, the circumstances and moments that will cause you to doubt your worth, to shake your sense of self-love, are also changing. Some moments will be harder than others, some fleeting and others lasting.

Loving yourself, remembering your worth, is a moment by moment choice.

There will be days where it's an easier one to make, and others where it feels impossible. In those times where it's harder, I no longer feel disappointment, or like I'm back at step one in my journey of self-love. I remember that because nothing is ever stagnant, the potential to change and advance always exists. There is no deadlock.

Winter always turns to spring.