Why Loving Yourself is Not Selfish

The phrase “looking out for number one” sends a mixed message about self-love. Taking care of yourself can feel awkward if you were raised to think that it is always better to give than receive. The truth is, if you do not take care of yourself there may be nothing available to give to anyone else. Taking care of you is like filling your gas tank with fuel. It gives you the energy to reach outside yourself and take care of others.

Loving yourself is about you. It is taking care of your body by getting enough rest and relaxation. It is taking care of your health by setting aside time for exercise and eating a healthy diet. Self Love is taking care of your mind and spirit by removing yourself from activities for prayer and meditation.

Loving yourself is about others. People, who have a hard time loving themselves, have a hard time loving and respecting others. When you care enough about yourself and take enough time for yourself, you have enough to share with others. Because you love and care for yourself, you add to the lives of people around you. Your self- love brings satisfaction and balance to your life and everyone you encounter.

You attract what you put out. When you love and care about yourself you will attract people into your circle who also care about themselves and therefore are able to care about and respect others. They are people with high self-esteem, like yours. They find pleasure in building others up, rather than tearing others down. These positive people will make a difference in the world. People, who love themselves, create healthy, satisfying, balanced lives for themselves and those around them.