Self-Love: The Real #SelfCare
Growing up, I struggled with perfectionism. I held myself to unrealistic standards and would criticize myself when I fell short of my exceedingly high expectations. My tendency toward perfectionism came from a mix of sources. Often, I was one of very few Black children in my class, on my tennis team, in my friend group, and in band. It felt like I was constantly having to prove that I belonged in the spaces I often found myself in. It was exhausting, and it took a toll on how I viewed myself. Over time, I started feeling unworthy, lesser than.
As I began my healing journey, and with the guidance of a therapist, I started learning how to deconstruct the narratives I had come to believe about myself. I realized that I often felt like an imposter, undeserving of loving relationships—including love of self. But as I uncovered, healed from, and let go of the childhood scars and societal messages that shaped my self-view, I began to see my own humanity through a lens of compassion. I learned to feel my emotions fully and without shame. One of the most transformative experiences was when I began to show myself empathy in those tender, wounded places. I started speaking kindly to myself, the way I would a friend. I began to look at myself with love, care, and admiration.
Healing is a journey. When you’ve experienced hurt, grief, loss, racialized trauma, intergenerational trauma, or any other painful experience, it can deeply impact your self-esteem. You might even blame yourself for your pain, or feel like you don’t deserve good things—a fulfilled life, or the love you desire. But as you heal from these wounds and allow yourself to embrace your own humanity, you unlock a love that changes everything. A love that helps you see yourself and others with more compassion. A love that is restorative.
Self-love.
What stories have you been telling yourself about your worth? Are you ready to let them go and embrace who you truly are?
You deserve this. Take the first step toward your own healing today. Schedule your consultation with HealingWorks and start your journey toward self-love.
