If you are longing for words of praise, validation and encouragement, begin to tell yourself those things daily. You will bloom in the loving environment you create for yourself.

— Catherine L. Taylor

Self-love is a choice. It’s a series of decisions that you make daily. It won’t feel natural at first, that’s why you must fake it until you make it. It starts with the decision each day to feel good and be happy. If you’re going through bad times or having a bad day, ask yourself, “What can I do to make myself feel better today?” And then choose something that’s life affirming and self-nurturing. It’s as simple as that.

Self- love is a verb. How you treat yourself reveals all. Self-love is revealed in your self-talk and how you pay attention to and care for yourself. Do you neglect, criticize, and tear yourself down? Or do you build yourself up with kind and encouraging thoughts, words, and deeds?

Many people don’t want the responsibility that self-love and self-care entails. They would rather play the victim and make other people responsible for their happiness. As long as they can play the victim or blame game, they don’t have to take action and be responsible for their actions.

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Many people see happiness as something outside of themselves. They think they will be happy when certain conditions are met, such as losing weight, or when others behave towards them the way they want them to.