What is True Self-Love? My Journey from Self-Rejection to Deep Appreciation
Self-love—it’s a term we see everywhere, yet its meaning often feels lost. Society and search engines may suggest self-love is selfish or self-centered, with words like "aloofness" and "ego" as synonyms. But what if we redefine it? What if self-love is, at its core, about honoring the beautiful vessel that is our body and mind with deep respect and appreciation?
In this post, I’ll take you on my journey from self-rejection and harsh self-criticism to a place of self-compassion, reverence, and genuine self-love. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own relationship with self-love and the way you care for yourself.
What Self-Love Really Means
Self-love is not selfish; it’s a way of showing ourselves deep respect, appreciation, and acceptance. This isn’t just about indulgence—it’s a practice of honoring the present version of you, nurturing the body and soul that carry you through life every day. Loving yourself fully, in all the ways you need, creates a solid foundation that radiates into every aspect of your relationships and creative pursuits.
So, how much can you love and accept yourself right now? How can you show appreciation for all that your body and mind do for you daily?
My Self-Love Journey
Years ago, my relationship with myself was far from loving. I chased perfection, especially during my time in the modeling industry, where my self-worth was wrapped up in external standards. My life revolved around restrictive diets, calorie counting, and relentless exercise. I thought that if I could reach a certain look, I’d finally be enough. But even as I saw physical changes, I felt empty, unworthy, and disconnected.
Then, I discovered yoga—a practice that not only saved me from continuing down a toxic path but allowed me to see myself differently. One day in class, I looked in the mirror, not to judge, but to connect. I realized that how I felt in my body was far more important than how I looked. This shift changed everything. I embraced yoga fully, letting it guide me toward inner peace and self-respect.
Choosing to stay in California, pursuing yoga instead of a modeling career in New York, was my first big act of self-love. It led me down a healing path that redefined my relationship with my body, food, and self-worth.
Rediscovering a Healthier Relationship with Food
Healing my relationship with food was a monumental task. I was determined to break the cycle of restrictive eating and dieting that had haunted me and to stop this pattern from affecting future generations. My journey led me to study at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, where I became a holistic health coach and began honoring my body with nourishing foods and respectful movement.
I learned that food is more than calories; it’s nourishment. I now choose foods that honor my body and give it energy, vitality, and life force. This shift was transformative—it brought me closer to my body in ways that restriction never could.
Embracing Tantra and Sacred Sexuality
As my self-love journey continued, I discovered Tantra and sacred sexuality. These practices taught me to embrace my body fully, to see it as a sacred vessel of pleasure, creativity, and life. This was a level of self-love I hadn’t known before, one that honors not just physical wellness but also spiritual connection and sensual aliveness.
Today, I guide other women in rediscovering their sensuality and self-love through sacred practices, somatic healing, and intimacy coaching. My journey has allowed me to build a life and business centered on these principles, and I am endlessly grateful for the path that brought me here.
Practical Ways to Practice Self-Love
If you're wondering how to begin your own journey of self-love, here are some ways to start:
Body Appreciation Rituals: Find a skincare or wellness ritual that brings you joy. For me, spa treatments, red light therapy, cold plunges, and salt rooms are ways I show my body appreciation.
Nourishing Movement: Shift your mindset around exercise. Move in ways that feel good, whether it’s yoga, walking with friends, or trying a new workout like Lagree.
Mindful Eating: Choose foods that make your body feel vibrant and strong. Experiment with adding nutrient-rich choices that energize you.
Connection and Reflection: Spending time with soul-aligned friends or reflecting on your journey through journaling or mindful practices can deepen your self-awareness and self-love.
Each of these practices is a step towards honoring your body and reconnecting with yourself.
Conclusion
The journey to self-love is not linear; it’s an ongoing practice of kindness, patience, and appreciation for your beautiful, unique self. From the hard-won lessons of letting go of perfection to finding a new purpose through coaching, I’ve learned that true self-love is about honoring your body, your mind, and your spirit.
If you’re ready to take steps toward a deeper, more nourishing relationship with yourself, I invite you to join me on this path. Let’s embark on this journey together. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or by connecting on social media, I’d love to support you. Click the link below to learn how to work with me.
Remember, self-love is your birthright. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch how it transforms your life. ✨