7 Ways to Start Loving Yourself Right Now

donna conley
3 days ago
3 min read

... because You Deserve to Be On Your Own Side

Loving yourself isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you are underneath the noise, pressure, and patterns that taught you otherwise. It’s not always easy—but it is always worth it.

Here are seven ways you can start loving yourself right now, without needing to wait for a better body, a healed past, or perfect circumstances.

1. Stop Negative Self-Talk

The voice in your head matters. If it’s constantly criticizing you, shaming you, or doubting your worth—you’re living with an inner bully. Pause and notice how you speak to yourself. Would you say those words to someone you love? No? Then don’t say them to you.

Try replacing harsh thoughts with gentler truths:

“I’m doing my best.”
“I’m allowed to be a work in progress.”
“My worth isn’t up for debate.”

2. Nourish Your Body with Care

Self-love lives in the body, not just the mind. Move it, feed it, rest it—because you get to, not because you have to. Whether it’s a stretch, a nourishing meal, a good night’s sleep, or just a moment of stillness, treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.

Love doesn't always involve spa days—it often requires hydration, movement, and going to bed on time.

3. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Boundaries are not walls. They’re bridges back to your truth. Saying “no” doesn’t make you mean. It makes you honest. The more you honor your limits, the more space you create for your needs, desires, and healing. Loving yourself means protecting your energy—and trusting that you’re allowed to take up space.

Want more support on this journey? Explore The Energetic Path.

4. Forgive Yourself for What You Didn’t Know Then

You cannot hate yourself into healing. But you can meet your younger self with grace.

Forgiveness is not letting yourself off the hook—it’s letting yourself out of the trap of shame.

You were doing the best you could with the tools you had. You know more now. That’s growth.

5. Surround Yourself with Safe, Supportive People

You don’t need a hundred people. You need a few who see you, support you, and speak to your potential—not your fears. Self-love grows stronger when it’s mirrored by loving connections.

Let go of relationships that make you shrink. Move toward the ones that let you expand.

6. Celebrate the Small Things

You don’t have to wait for a big milestone to feel proud. Did you brush your teeth? That’s self-respect. You got out of bed despite the heaviness? That’s resilience.

Loving yourself includes noticing what you’re doing right, even on days when you feel like you're doing something wrong.