The Love We Need: Starting with Ourselves
“Real self-love. It's how you talk to yourself. It's the standards you hold. It's choosing yourself every single day.” - Noelle Kustas
The Love We Need: Starting with Ourselves
February is often associated with romance and relationships, but I believe love is so much bigger than a holiday or a relationship status. This month, we're flipping the script on love, starting with the most important relationship of all: the one we have with ourselves. This week, we're exploring self-love, self-worth, and embracing your inner glow.
When Was the Last Time You Felt Truly Loved?
Think about it. When was the last time you felt truly, deeply loved by yourself? Not because of an accomplishment or someone else's words, but simply for being you. For many of us, self-love wasn't something we were taught. We were often taught to put others first, to be "good girls." Somewhere along the way, we started waiting for love instead of creating it for ourselves. We waited for the romantic partner, the recognition at work, even permission to love ourselves. But it's time to stop waiting. It's time to prioritize self-care and cultivate self-compassion.
The Love You Give Yourself Sets the Standard
The truth is, the love you give yourself sets the standard for how others love you. If you don't prioritize your own heart, how can anyone else? If you don't value yourself, why should the world? Self-love isn't selfish; it's the foundation for everything. It impacts every area of your life.
In relationships, self-love helps you set healthy boundaries and attract healthier connections. You stop settling for less than you deserve. In friendships, you surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drain you. In your career, self-love empowers you to own your voice, ask for what you deserve, and step into your power. It allows you to embrace your authentic self and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
Beyond Bubble Baths: The True Meaning of Self-Love
Many women get stuck because they equate self-love with superficial indulgences like bubble baths and spa days. While those can be nice, true self-love is much deeper. It's about how you talk to yourself, the standards you hold, and choosing yourself every single day. It's about practicing self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth.
Let's do a quick self-check. If you talked to your best friend the way you talk to yourself, how would she feel? Would she feel loved and supported, or ashamed and disappointed? Think about one thing you can do today to show yourself love. You deserve the same kindness you extend to others.
Romanticizing Your Life
What if, instead of waiting for grand gestures, you started creating love in your daily life? What if you became your own Valentine every single day? Here are a few ways to start:
Write a love letter to yourself: Detail all the things you admire about yourself. Give yourself permission to go all in!
Take yourself on a date: Go to a coffee shop, take a walk, treat yourself to something special. Be intentional about enjoying your own company.
Create a glow-up ritual: Whether it's lighting a candle or dancing in your kitchen, make time for yourself. Practice gratitude for who you are right now.
You Are Love
I challenge you this week to write yourself a love letter. Speak to yourself as you would to your best friend or your younger self. I'd love to hear what you discover! When you learn to truly love yourself, your world, your relationships, everything starts to change. You don't have to wait for love; you already are love. As women, we have so much to offer the world, and it starts with loving ourselves fiercely and deeply. It creates a ripple effect that changes everything.
Join me next week for part two of our "Love We Need" series, where we'll explore how love evolves in our relationships. Until then, keep rising, keep shining, and know that the best is right here, waiting for you today.
The Rise2Shine Podcast Episode 43 | The Love We Need Series Part 1 - Love Starts with YOU
Ready to shine brighter than ever before? Let's connect!
Tune in to The Rise2Shine Podcast for honest conversations, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help you navigate your next chapter.
Remember, you are not alone. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to live a joyful, fulfilling life. Your next chapter is waiting, and it's going to be amazing!
XOXO,
Noelle Kustas
Rise2Shine Co
