That’s when Buddha’s quote hit me: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” It was a wake-up call—I realized that in order to truly be there for others, I needed to first care for myself.
Reprogramming My Mind: Self-Love Isn’t Selfish
At first, embracing self-love felt uncomfortable. Growing up, I had been taught to focus on others. But Buddha’s words flipped that perspective. Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Think about it: how can we give love, energy, or support to others if we’re running on empty? The truth is, we can’t. By filling our own cup, we become better able to show up for the people we care about, whether it’s in our relationships, work, or everyday interactions.