Let's delve into the essence of love. Today, as I jot down these words, it's Valentine's Day. Often, when we ponder love, our minds drift to romantic fantasies, akin to those portrayed in movies where the ideal man serendipitously stumbles into our lives, and we're instantly swept off our feet. However, love encompasses myriad forms and sensations.

First and foremost, let's direct our focus inward—towards self-love. It's a concept that wasn't emphasized in my upbringing; in fact, it was regarded as peculiar, the notion of cherishing oneself. However, as a mother and an adult, I've come to realize that self-love is the cornerstone of nurturing healthy relationships and crafting a fulfilling existence. When we harbor love for ourselves, we exude compassion, possess resilience, and aren't reliant on external validation. While receiving affirmation is pleasant, inner assurance is invaluable.

Self-love entails wholeheartedly embracing ourselves, treating ourselves with gentleness and esteem, and prioritizing our personal development and well-being. It involves cultivating a positive internal dialogue and embracing our entirety, imperfections included. This sounds simple in theory, but in practice, it's a continuous journey. Often, we are our harshest critics, with our inner voice refusing to grant us leniency for any misstep. Life is a voyage, and we evolve and learn through our triumphs and blunders, acknowledging each as part of our growth process. No individual on this planet is flawless, yet within our imperfections lies our uniqueness.

So, how do we cultivate more self-love? I subscribe to the belief that the more love we extend outward, the more we nurture love within ourselves. In all relationships, it's easy to succumb to resentment or feel unappreciated. You might sense imbalance, whether in domestic chores, professional endeavors, or friendships. Yet, it's crucial to remember that you're in control of your actions, and everything you do is a conscious choice. Whether it's taking out the trash or extending a helping hand, do it out of genuine affection, allowing yourself to bask in the warmth of love with each act of kindness.

Every instance of giving love is an opportunity to nurture love within ourselves. It's a far more gratifying experience than harboring resentment. When we repeatedly affirm certain beliefs to ourselves, they become self-fulfilling prophecies. If we convince ourselves that we're unworthy of love or acceptance, we inadvertently project that energy into the world, finding evidence to validate our beliefs. Let's shift our perspective and seek evidence of love's omnipresence. The more love we radiate, the more love we attract, creating a beautiful cycle of positive energy.