Tips on finding self love?

[FutureDoc2022]

finding myself in a haze of disappointment. I have been struggling with my insecurities and learning to love myself despite flaws. Lately, Ive tried running, face masks and candles (mid 20's female) but as soon as stop working/social things - I find myself in tears worrying about how I can find happiness and acceptance. Not sure what else to do

[HelpingElbow]

Dear, the most important thing in life is love. And the biggest blunder that we can ever commit is 'finding' love.

You don't find love, instead you simply love...because it knows no bounds. It's the same for happiness too. You don't find it, you simply be happy.

Nobody has denied you the right to love yourself and be happy. It's just that, as long as we search it outside and attach them to the external world, we are alright. The moment the external connection (social activity/hobby) breaks, the mind goes haywire and that is soon followed by disappointment.

Start engaging yourself in activities that mean a lot to you. If at any moment you feel lonely, talk about it. You can talk with your friends, family, and if not, you can post in this community. We are there for you.

Sometimes, speaking out your mind and emptying your thoughts helps a lot in battling loneliness. Keep in mind that this community accepts you whichever way you're without any bias or judgement.

Lots of love...

[DJB74 in reply to HelpingElbow]

Wonderful advice. I need that myself

[M3Hobbit]

As another 20s female, I just want you to know you're not alone in this season of life! It's easy to feel alone in the midst of so much transition and comparison. Another thing that's helped me is joining a small group or a Bible study of girls. Do you have any kind of support group you could be a part of like that? I'm proud of you for desiring to care for yourself - that's SO vitally important and a great first step. Praying for you and am here if you need someone to talk to!

[florapeace]

Something that helps me when I'm feeling insecure is remembering the fact that we live in a world filled with imagined realities. Nothing that we know as humans is real... being beautiful, being annoying. These are imagined realities that people have agreed on somewhere in history.

Life is a balance of keeping one foot in the ring with all of these imagined realities (because money and rent and the like), but coming home and understanding that you only have to participate as much as you'd like. It is so so so much harder than it sounds, especially for someone with anxiety, because the word around us can be all-consuming. It likes to make itself seem a lot more important than it is. Like HelpingElbow said, if you begin to do what you love and love what you do this becomes a lot easier.

I don't know what you've already done, but I suggest meditating regularly! The more you do it the better you feel. Best of luck, FutureDoc2022 , and feel free to reach out whenever!