Love Is the Message: What Self-Love Really Looks Like

Why is self-love so complicated?

The messaging around self-love can be confusing. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around everywhere—from wellness influencers to brand campaigns—but often without real depth. Sometimes it’s used to throw shade, other times as a way to sell us things we don’t need. At its worst, it can become an excuse for behaviours that actually harm us.

But true self-love? It’s quieter. Less performative. More honest.

What self-love actually means

Loving yourself isn’t about buying things you can’t afford or numbing out on the weekends. It’s about giving yourself the grace to make mistakes, the time to heal from emotional wounds, and the strength to say no when you need to.

It’s showing yourself the same kindness you’d offer to someone you care about. A soft landing instead of a self-critique. A pause instead of a push.

A small act of self-love

The other day, I gave myself 10 minutes to move with Yoga with Adriene. That was all I could manage—but it was enough. It broke my habit of starting the day with social media, and gently shifted my morning energy. It wasn’t about discipline or “doing better”—just choosing something different, something kinder.

Coincidentally, the theme for that video was love. It felt strangely fitting. A quiet moment of alignment between body, breath, and intention.

Self-love isn’t always easy—but it’s worth practicing

Some days, self-love is a choice we barely feel able to make. But practicing it—even in the smallest of ways—can change how we speak to ourselves, how we show up in the world, and how we heal.