Loving Myself Wasn’t Easy, but I’ve Finally Made It!

“I spent years loving everyone else before I learned how to love myself.”

Loving myself was super hard. It was even harder than loving others. Growing up, I used to prioritize others over myself. When I wished to have something, my mind automatically thought it was better to give it to my loved ones. Seeing them happy made me happy as well.

Loving myself wasn’t an easy journey. I used to shower myself with hatred and negative thoughts. “You don’t deserve this. How could you? You’re not that pretty, not everyone’s favorite. You’re not special. You’re none.” While to others, it was always so easy to shower them with love and kind words. “They deserve it,” I thought.

Loving myself seemed impossible to my younger self. Perhaps it was because I was the first child. I repressed what I felt and what I wanted. I chose to prioritize my younger siblings’ needs and attention, helping my parents pamper them as well. So young, yet I was forced to be wise and mature, even before the time came. And all those years, I didn’t realize that I mattered, too.

image from pinterest

Loving myself is an endless journey. In my twenties, I have learned many things about myself — as a person, a kid, a sister, a friend, and a responsible adult. I am grateful to discover different sides of me. Thanks to the books and mind-blowing theories I studied during my college years, new doors and worlds were opened. Thanks to the ups and downs that shaped me, I slowly came to a realization: I matter, too.

Loving myself means prioritizing myself and it does not mean I am selfish. I want to make sure I am happy inside, so I can give twice the happiness to my loved ones. Loving myself is listening to what my heart says and appreciating every feeling I feel. If I am sad, it is okay to cry. If I am angry, it is okay to let it out. If I am disappointed in my persons, I should tell them. If someone betrays me or cannot see my worth, I should walk away. If I want something, it is important that I fulfill it myself and not depend on anyone else.

From all the ways of loving myself listed above, I believe in one thing: when someone truly loves themselves, they will love others without expecting anything in return. Because she herself is the purest form of love.

I am beyond delighted that, finally, in my twenties, I am learning to love myself all over again. And I hope you will, too.

Let’s spread love and kindness and last but not least, don’t forget to love yourself.

O.O — 5 Jan 2026