Returning to Yourself — A Self-Love Practice

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, self-love is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet, for many of us, it can feel elusive, buried beneath the expectations of others, past wounds, or the relentless pace of daily life.

Self-love is not about self-indulgence or perfection; it’s about returning to yourself—again and again—with kindness, compassion, and presence. It’s about coming home to the wholeness that has always been within you.

What Does It Mean to Return to Yourself?

Returning to yourself is the practice of reconnecting with your true nature—the part of you that exists beyond external validation, self-doubt, or fear. It’s about remembering that you are already enough, exactly as you are.

This process requires:

• Awareness – Noticing when you’ve drifted away from yourself through self-criticism, overcommitment, or emotional suppression.

• Compassion – Meeting yourself with the same gentleness you would offer a dear friend.

• Intentionality – Making choices that honor your well-being, even when they’re difficult.

The Barriers to Self-Love

Why is self-love so challenging? Many of us have been conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to productivity, achievement, or the approval of others. We internalize messages that tell us we must be more—more successful, more attractive, more lovable—before we can fully accept ourselves.

Other barriers to self-love include:

• Negative self-talk – The inner critic that convinces us we are not enough.

• Unhealed wounds – Past experiences that have shaped how we see ourselves.

• Overgiving – Prioritizing others at the expense of our own needs.

• Disconnection from the body – Ignoring the signals of stress, exhaustion, or emotional discomfort.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming self-love.

Self-Love as a Practice, Not a Destination

Self-love is not something we achieve once and for all. It’s an ongoing practice of returning to ourselves with care and presence. Here are a few ways to cultivate self-love in your daily life:

1. Befriend Your Inner Voice

Pay attention to how you speak to yourself. Are your thoughts filled with criticism, doubt, or judgment? Try replacing harsh words with gentle affirmations:

• “I am enough as I am.”

• “I am learning and growing every day.”

• “I deserve love and kindness.”

Treat yourself with the same patience and understanding you would offer a friend. Attune to your inner voice with practices like breathwork, sound healing, mindful movement and meditation. For a beautiful resource, I invite you into the Healing Energy Collective.

2. Tune Into Your Body

Self-love is not just a mindset; it’s a felt experience in the body. Notice when your body needs rest, movement, nourishment, or touch. Breathwork, gentle stretching, or simply placing a hand over your heart can help you reconnect with yourself. For mindful movement practices, check out my weekly schedule or book a private session. Consistency is key.

3. Set Loving Boundaries

Saying “no” is a radical act of self-love. Protecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being is not selfish—it’s essential. Identify where you need firmer boundaries and practice honoring them without guilt.

4. Embrace Solitude Without Loneliness

Spending intentional time alone can be a powerful way to return to yourself. Instead of filling every moment with distractions, allow yourself to sit in stillness, journal, or take a mindful walk. Learn to enjoy your own company.

5. Engage in Self-Care That Feeds Your Soul

True self-care goes beyond surface-level indulgences. What nourishes your soul? It might be creative expression, deep conversations, spiritual practices, or time in nature. Make space for what brings you joy.

6. Release the Need for Perfection

Self-love is not about always feeling confident or never making mistakes. It’s about embracing your imperfections with grace. Give yourself permission to be human, to learn, to evolve—without self-punishment.

Coming Home to Yourself

Self-love is a journey of returning—over and over—to the truth of who you are. It’s about recognizing that your worth is not conditional. It has never been, and will never be, something you need to earn.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to listen to the latest episode of the Healing Energy Collective podcast, where we dive deeper into the practice of self-love and what it means to come home to yourself. You can listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

What does self-love look like for you?