Be Your Own Bae: 8 Ways to Love Yourself

For the last five years the only relationship I’ve been in is with myself. Sounds kind of sad, huh?

But what most people don’t know is, the reason for my dry spell single girl status was because at the ripe age of 23 I wanted to learn how to love myself. I made the ballsy move to breakup with my first true love and set out on a little journey of self-discovery.

And you know what I discovered?

Loving yourself is a lot harder than Justin Bieber makes it out to be. It takes conscious effort and endless practice, along with the courage and strength to be alone. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone by doing things that may feel a little freaky and straight-up awkward, but your labor is always rewarded with a feeling of love, beating in your very own heart.

It doesn’t matter if you are single like me, or married with kids. Self-love is a key component to a flourishing life, because if you don’t know how to love yourself, how can you ever expect anyone else to love you the way you deserve?!

Here are 8 ways to help you step up your self-love game and learn to appreciate your true worth.

1. Send Yourself Flowers

Who says you need a man to buy you flowers?! A vase of fresh blooms have been proven to enhance emotional health by reducing anxiety and increasing energy. Pick up a fresh bouquet to add instant joy and comfort into your everyday life.

2. Rub One Out

I’ll take a vibrator over a fuck boy any day! Yeah, I’m going there. Masturbation is so taboo, but it’s pretty much the ultimate form of self-love. Not only does it help give you more confidence in your body, it relieves stress, improves sleep, and releases all kinds of feel good endorphins. So, dim the lights, hop into bed and get down on a little self exploration!

3. Take a Bubble Bath

Nothing makes me feel more relaxed and sexy than a good, ol’ bubble bath. Create an at home spa situation with fizzy bath bombs, sultry candles, mellow music and soak your body in a tub of self-love. Also, feel free to take your bubble game to the next level with a glass of bubbly. Cheers!

4. Wine and Dine Yourself

I know showing up to dinner as a party of 1 can be kind of intimidating, but when you overcome that initial fear you are filled with a strong sense of personal empowerment. I challenge you to ditch the phone and try to connect with the people around you, this will help open your eyes to the truth, you are never alone.

5. Become a Bad Bitch in the Kitch

And on those days when you really aren’t feeling a night out, there is always the option to stay in and get cooking in the kitchen. Putting time into a home cooked meal makes me feel as if I’m putting time into caring for myself. I love pouring up a glass of wine, turning on an epic playlist and getting my Emeril on like — BAM!

6. Journaling 

Sometimes you need to tell yourself just how incredible you really are! Keeping a journal of your most empowering thoughts will gift you the ability to feel love on those shitty days where all you need is a hug. Scribble down sentences about how proud you are of your efforts, how beautiful your are in your mind, and how badass you are at life!

7. Get Naked

Strutting your stuff in the buff has the power to bring you closer to your body. When you begin to get naked you will feel more confident in yourself and learn how to appreciate your body in a beautiful new way. I’m telling you, life is so much better without pants.

8. Accept Love

Giving love to yourself is the easy part, but learning how to accept it is where the real challenge lies. When you begin to embrace vulnerability and fully accept yourself for who you are, then the love will begin to flow freely within your life.

As I mentioned before, this practice is a lot easier said than done, but it’s so important to put in the work consciously and continuously. Mastering the art of self-love will open your eyes to the kind of love you truly deserve, making your heart refuse to settle for anything less — hence why I’m single.

(or at least that’s what I like to think.)

If you have a genuine passion that glows from within, you will be able to live a life as epic as you could ever imagine, because you love yourself enough to believe it is all possible for you!

Now I want to know, how do you practice self-love?

Comment below with different ways you love yo' self and I'll be sure to give it a go!

Because there is no such thing as too much love, am I right?!

xx Fins & Kisses,

The Mermaid.