Self-love often gets misunderstood. It’s not arrogance, selfishness, or thinking you’re better than anyone else. True self-love is about appreciation—deep gratitude for your life, your body, your experiences, and all the ways you show up in the world. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and respect you so easily give to others.
Think about it—how often do you criticize yourself for not being “enough” instead of celebrating all that you are? A healthy attitude of self-love means recognizing your worth, taking care of your mind and body, and setting boundaries that protect your well-being. It’s knowing that your health—physical, emotional, and even heart health—depends on how you nurture yourself.
And here’s the truth: The more you care for yourself, respect yourself, and show up authentically, the more you have to give to others. It’s no different than the oxygen mask rule on an airplane—you have to secure your own first before you can help those around you. If you’re running on empty, your world isn’t running right. When you invest in your well-being, you bring your best self to your relationships, your work, and your community.
Self-love isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. And speaking of heart health, self-love isn’t just a mindset—it has real, measurable effects on your body. When you practice self-compassion, gratitude, and connection, your nervous system relaxes, your stress hormones decrease, and your heart rate variability (HRV) improves—which is a key marker of overall health.
So this Valentine’s season, let’s go beyond chocolates and roses. Let’s talk about how true self-love can transform not just your mindset, but your heart itself. And if you’ve been feeling run down, stressed out, or disconnected from yourself, maybe it’s time to check in—because your heart is always speaking. Are you listening?
