self love/respect/worth etc.

[Jdmill_24]

how do I learn to do all those things? I’ve never really “loved” myself before or anything like that and things in life are slowly spiraling outta control because of that. Any advice could help🙏🏼thank you

[Coolgreys]

I’m trying to learn this as well. For me, it’s been about trying to not abandon myself for the sake of others. It’s difficult to do because I don’t have many people in my life as it is but I’ve hurt myself the most out of anyone because I have a hard time understanding what is best for me. It’s taking time and practice and getting feedback from my therapist.

The first step to recovery is awareness. I wish you the best.

[optimismrus]

I hear you. You are at the beginning of an "adventure to find yourself". If you can find a counselor or therapist to talk to - that's a good first step to "unpeeling the layers of junk" we've stuffed. There are great books and talks online that deal with a philosophy that supports us, like A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. 🥰

[RS1974]

First thing that I did to love myself was to write positive affirmations. Put in a places you see everyday like bathroom and bedroom and read them evrytime you see them. Good luck 👍

[Snowflake77]

Turn your negative into positive. You will be more happier.

[Spud-u-Like1982]

Hi Jdmill_24,

I'm exactly the same as you. I took am trying to learn to love myself. For me, I've always suffered from low confidence and low self-esteem and it's all been compounded by losing my job and my 7 year relationship coming to an end and just generally being discarded by people who seem to struggle to accept me for being me. I don't have many friends and only my parents. I know my Parents love me, but beyond that I don't feel loved.

I do think I need to speak to a professional about the way I feel, as it's such a complex web of self-loathing and feelings of inadequacy.

[Hidden]

this post so important but goodnight off to bed x

[Josabet094]

I am working on the same thing. I think for me at least (might be helpful), I have to constantly remind myself that "loving yourself" isn't the same thing as being selfish. Whenever I choose myself over others, even with someone as simple as ordering the pizza topping I want instead of picking something I know others will like better, or apologizing for not being emotionally/mentally available... I feel guilty. I feel selfish but that is not true. Loving yourself can be different for everyone, I would start with making a list of things that you want to do, or should do, that you have been putting off for one reason or another.

Try to do the first thing on that list. See how it feels. Then continue adding to it.