How to Love Yourself More – Nurture Your Inner Self
Karla Taylor
13 May 2025
Loving yourself more is not a selfish thing. It is not an ego driven thing; it is a necessary life habit that each of us must develop. You are worthy of the love and care you give to others, and it all starts with how you show up for yourself.
To create a lifelong habit and become someone that grows their self-love continually, you must learn to take the following steps:
Define Your Vision for Yourself
Start by asking yourself “Who do I want to be in this world?” Loving yourself begins with the clarity of the kind of person you aspire to become. When you align your actions with that vision, you’ll feel a deeper connection with yourself. It’s about congruence – living in alignment with your values and goals.
Imagine you are a teacher who dreams of inspiring students to love learning. Your vision might be to embody patience, curiosity, and enthusiasm every day. Each morning, you could ask yourself, “How can I show up as the most inspiring version of myself today?” That clarity helps you to align your actions with your higher self.
Practice Self-Respect and Self-Care
Treat yourself like someone worthy of care and attention. This means setting boundaries, protecting your wellness, and making choices that honor your physical, emotional, and mental health. When you respect yourself, you naturally show up better for others.
Picture someone who has been neglecting their health due to a busy schedule. They decide to prioritise their self-care by taking a 30-minute walk every evening, not just for fitness, but as an act of self-respect. Over time, this habit reinforces their sense of self-worth and energises them to tackle life’s challenges.
Acknowledge Your Progress
Give yourself credit for the small wins. Too often, we are so hard on ourselves that we forget to celebrate the steps that we have taken. Recognise your efforts, even if they seem minor. This builds confidence and reinforces self-worth.
Think of an entrepreneur who is building a business from scratch. Instead of focusing on how far they still must go, they take a moment each week to celebrate small wins – like landing a new client or improving their website. This practice builds momentum and keeps their confidence high.
Shift Your Inner Dialogue
Speak to yourself with kindness and compassion. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Replace self-criticism with encouragement. This isn’t about being delusional, it’s about being supportive of your own growth.
Imagine a parent who often feels overwhelmed and criticises themselves for not being ‘perfect.’ They start replacing thoughts like “I’m failing” with “I’m doing my best and that’s enough.” This shift in self-talk helps them approach parenting with more compassion and patience.
Serve From a Full Cup
Loving yourself is not selfish – it is foundational. When you care for yourself first, you are better equipped to love and serve others. Remember, your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life. Prioritise your energy and well-being so you can give authentically to the world.
Picture a nurse who is passionate about caring for others but is burned out. They decide to take a weekend off to recharge by spending time in nature and reconnecting with their passions. When they return to work, they are more present and effective because they replenished their energy.
Which One Feels Relevant
Of the five steps above, which of the examples feels relevant to you right now? Where do you see an opportunity to apply this to your own life at present? Just remember that every single one of us is worthy of the same love and care we give to others – it is simply how you show up for yourself in this life that matters most. Keep practicing the steps above for yourself and eventually you will see a ripple effect in your own life and those lives around you. It’s a sure win for you – you’ve got this!
