Self-Love is the Real Glow-Up: What It Really Means & How to Practice It

 

Introduction

Hi Whisperers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s very important and that topic is self-love.


What is Self-Love?

The term self-love is nothing new. Almost everyone has heard of it, yet each person tends to define it in their own way. That’s why the concept carries so many different meanings.

Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., explains it beautifully:

“Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. It means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than you deserve.”

My own definition is much simpler; it might even sound like a joke compared to his—but it’s essentially the same: self-love is loving yourself.


Why Should You Love Yourself?

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to love yourself just because I say so. But loving yourself comes with powerful benefits, it helps protect you from issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Of course, I know it’s not always that easy. I’ve had my own struggles. Some days I look in the mirror and think, “Ugh, my skin has too much acne,” or “Why is my voice so tiny?” or even “Why do I look younger than my age?”

But then there are other days when I catch myself smiling in the mirror and think, “Wow, was I always this pretty?” It may sound a little arrogant, but honestly, it’s just me giving myself a small dose of love and that’s okay!

There are also moments when I get fed up with my own negative thoughts and have to stop myself: “Why am I letting this bother me? Why am I letting someone else’s opinion define me? It’s my body, my life.”

That’s the thing about self-love; it isn’t about being perfect. It’s about choosing to see your worth even when your inner critic (or others) tries to convince you otherwise.

Think of it this way: when you’re in love with someone, don’t you want the best for them? Don’t you look past their flaws and see them as amazing anyway? Now, imagine applying that same kind of love to yourself. 


Quick Note

Please don’t confuse self-love with arrogance, narcissism, or being self-centered. True self-love is about respect, compassion, and care, not ego.

How to Practice Self-Love

There’s no single “right” way to practice self-love, it’s a personal journey. But here’s a guiding principle: do what genuinely makes you happy and supports your growth.

It doesn’t have to be big. Small acts count:

  • Taking time to rest without guilt

  • Speaking kindly to yourself

  • Setting healthy boundaries

  • Celebrating your progress instead of focusing only on flaws

  • Doing things that bring you peace, whether that’s journaling, praying, exercising, or simply enjoying your own company

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s healthy and nurturing, because destructive habits are not acts of love.

Final Thoughts

Loving yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. And when you love yourself, you open the door to better relationships, stronger confidence, and a deeper sense of peace.

So, Whisperers, here’s my gentle reminder: you deserve your own love as much as anyone else does. 

Extras & Resources

I’m not an expert—everything here comes from my own experiences and from resources like:

If you want to dig deeper, those articles (and many others online) are a great starting point.

 Over to you, Whisperers: What does self-love mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to hear your take.

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