One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that self-love is important; and that sometimes, it’s not bad to put yourself first above all things. Self-love refers to a high regard for your own happiness and well-being.

It means taking care of yourself first and not sacrificing your needs in order to please others. It makes a lot of sense for me now especially after giving most of my time and my whole being to another person.

Now that I’m more mature, I realized that I can no longer give what I do not have. In order for me to love others, I have to love myself first.

On Building Myself-Worth

When I was still in a relationship, I thought that my self-worth comes from being loved unconditionally by another person and being accepted despite of my imperfections.

Over time, that’s not how I define self-worth anymore. I realized that I’m the only one who can identify my own self-worth and I should not seek validation from others or expect another person to decide that for me. So I relied on myself.

How can I establish my self-worth? 

I started by deciding to live independently and being happy even when I’m alone. I made good use of my spare time reading books, watching movies that can make me laugh, listening to music that boosts my mood, running around the neighborhood every morning, and enrolling in yoga classes. I took care of myself.

It made me feel good and I’ve realized that being single doesn’t necessarily equate to being lonely; just the same, being in a relationship doesn’t always guarantee that you’d be genuinely happy. It’s all about appreciating your worth as a person.

On Finding Happiness

One thing I’ve realized is that happiness is everywhere if we’ll learn to acknowledge it. You don’t even have to chase after it. You can be happy if you decide to.

For example; you can be happy helping others who are in need, giving food and clothes to the less fortunate, doing something nice to your parents, going out with your friends, and showing compassion towards others. These small acts of kindness can make you experience a different level of joy. 

I remember my elderly neighbors who once returned from a trip to find their homes broken into and attacked by burglars. They lost a lot of valuables and their entire house was ransacked. I took them in for a while and comforted them.

They were extremely devastated. Since their property was insured, I suggested for them to hire a Public Adjuster Miami to handle the case so they won’t have to go through the rigorous process of filing for an insurance claim on their own. I figured that it would somehow make it easier for them since they’re too old for such a stressful situation. When everything was resolved and they’ve recovered from the incident, I actually felt happier and more relieved that I was able to help them in the best way I know-how. 

On Loving Myself 

Rediscovering my self-worth and being happy made me realize the things that I like about myself. I began to appreciate my strength and resilience as a woman; that I’m more than the mistakes I made in the past and that I don’t deserve to be cheated on.

And so I started to forgive myself for the wrong choices I made, I distanced myself from people and places that tend to bring back unpleasant memories; I also decided that I don’t need the approval of others and I started to express gratitude for everything I have. 

And so I started to forgive myself for the wrong choices I made, I distanced myself from people and places that tend to bring back unpleasant memories; I also decided that I don’t need the approval of others and I started to express gratitude for everything I have. 

And so I started to forgive myself for the wrong choices I made, I distanced myself from people and places that tend to bring back unpleasant memories; I also decided that I don’t need the approval of others and I started to express gratitude for everything I have. 

I started doing the things I love like running every morning and taking part in marathons. For the first time in years, I changed my entire wardrobe and hairstyle.

I also traveled a lot and went to Australia for a vacation with my sister. From time to time, I would visit my parents or invite friends over and I would cook for them.

It gave me a brand new appreciation of myself knowing that my life isn’t focused on one person anymore.

And I vowed to myself that if ever I would get into another relationship, I would try my best to balance every single aspect of my life and make sure that I would stay whole even if I give a part of me to another person.