How to Practice The Art Of Self Love to Lead a Fulfilling Life

The Art of Self Love to Lead a Fulfilling Life

Our definition of a fulfilling life largely depends upon whether we have a good career, have met our forefathers’ expectations, fit well in others’ perception and if others think highly about us. This article redefines the meaning of life and discusses how self love helps us craft our own destiny. So, let us learn the art of self love to lead a fulfilling life.

Among the many teachings passed onto us by our parents and forefathers, the art of giving stands out rather prominently, underlining the rationale that if one keeps giving without expecting a thing in return, not only will he or she lead a fulfilling life, but will also have a place reserved for themselves in Paradise.

The heirloom of wisdom curated by our predecessors has several important life lessons. Of them, unquestioned giving has been touted as an indispensable step to nirvana. And we choose to dwell upon this one rather vehemently. As a result, we become givers more out of a deep-rooted fear. This is driven by the fear of losing the glorious status of being good. And the fear of being disqualified for that coveted corner in Heaven! 

Amid all this we tend to overlook the fine line that exists between giving and sacrificing. We go overboard in pouring ourselves out for others. Sometimes insensitively overstepping, ignoring our needs and mercilessly crushing our own feelings and desires.

What then can serve as a much-needed healing potion, you ask?

How to practice the art of Self Love

Here are simple ways to practice the art of self love:

Forgive Yourself

To lead a peaceful life, forgiving others is necessary. However, forgiving yourself is equally important.

It is but human to make errors. Each time you err, you earn an unparalleled opportunity to learn something new. If you keep dwelling on your past and subjecting yourself to the toxicity of perpetual guilt, you lose the chance to learn from your mistake and may never be able to move on! The best way to overcome the remorse of erring is to preserve it as a funny anecdote in the memoirs of your life. One to be fetched and read out to your grandchildren when the customary ritual of “passing on the heirloom of wisdom” is in course!

Stop Being a People Pleaser

Well, it’s high time you drew the line. Don’t let yourself be taken for a ride. Learn to say a polite and firm “No”.

The mantra to happiness doesn’t just lie in being the sole giver but also manifests, in putting yourself first.

Conduct a simple test to transform your world. Find out exactly how many of those folks, who have been reveling under your glory, would come forward to extend their support when you are in need? Simply ask them if they could do something for you in a given situation. Some would genuinely express concern, the other would give excuses. Gently withdraw yourself from the latter lot. It may hurt a few souls, but will save you from being scathed for life. And if eliminating them from your world wouldn’t bring you peace, at least this experiment would make you weigh your responses carefully the next time they approach you for anything and you may then want to check your comfort first.   

You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.

Louise L. Hay

Stop Seeking Validation of Your Worth

Looking up to someone and being inspired is fine, but looking down upon yourself is brutal for your well being. We often get caught in the mad race of competition in every aspect of our life and struggle to accept our shortcomings, forgetting the fact that life is not about being perfect but being someone who embraces themselves for who they are and still trying to be a better version of themselves each day – You version 2.0, albeit without seeking validations from others. Bagging approvals may fetch you contentment temporarily; however, you will grow dependent on them and the parameters set by them and each time it won’t be possible for you to achieve them.

Set your own parameters. Be your own competitor. You will be amazed to see how swiftly you improve and the incredible level of gratification it fetches you.

Spend Quality Time with Yourself

Out of the busy lives we lead, we dedicate whatever moments of peace we get to all the ‘catching up’ that we feel is necessary with our friends and family. While it is important to touch-base with our loved ones, little do we realize that we need to catch up with ourselves too! Rather urgently! ‘coz all this while we had been ignoring our latent needs, overlooking and blindly dismissing our chances of improvement.

When we spend time with ourselves, reflecting and meditating upon our lives, we are able to identify the gaps and fill those – be it with upskilling, scribbling down our thoughts, responding to our tired bones with a nice session of spa or a fitness regimen or just occasionally treating ourselves to our favourite drink and cuisine! Needless to mention, religiously spending time with oneself will prove rewarding and wholesome for our well being. It will help you to rediscover and find your wholeness. So, have an occasional tete-a-tete with yourself, take yourself out on dates and splurge on yourself, and revisit your old hobbies. Rediscover yourself. Because, you are your best companion!

Immerse Yourself in Positivity

Surround yourself with people who dwell on hope and hard work and believe in living each moment of their lives. Allow your mind to filter out any negative influence and learn to understand all perspectives even if something displeasing about someone is brought to your attention. Lastly and most importantly, manifest a wholesome life with positive affirmations.

With the newfound You – You Version 2.0, go ahead and be the master of your own destiny. Learn how to practice the art of self love to lead a fulfilling life!

Editor’s Note:

If you enjoyed reading this article on how to practice the art of self love to lead a fulfilling life, you may be interested in reading about achieving SUPER physical fitness and mental health or the PIE effect of relationships for a happier life. And, before that you may want to internalize your locus of control.

About The Author

Manasi Srivastava is an experienced writer. She is also adept at voice overs. She has a penchant for art and is a hoarder of beautiful handicrafts and works of renowned painters and artists.

A self confessed coffee enthusiast, in her free time she loves to whip up a fresh cup, pen down her thoughts and spend some quality time with her daughter. She is parent to seven pooches too, who keep her life buzzing with something new and exciting each day!