What It Means To Love Myself

"What does self-love mean for you?" he asks.

"For me?" I repeat, staring into the sky as I ponder the answer. 

Images of self love seem to flash through my mind. I can see . makeup brushes. I feel the scent of perfume and smell the vanilla scented candles lit before bed. I can practically imagine the sweaty clothes after a yoga session. I see cute water bottles lined up in my head.

But where is the self-love?

I know that it is a form of self-love, taking care of yourself and pampering yourself head to toe. But perfume doesn't erase self-doubt. Lipbalm doesn't erase self-hate. Facemasks don't erase guilt. A put together outfit doesn't automatically seal the cracks within. Self-esteem boost, yes. But healing? Not quite. 

For me, self-love means knowing all your flaws and mistakes and loving yourself despite it. It means valuing yourself enough to change. It means respecting yourself enough to do things for you. It means loving you for being you. It means being ok with having no one's company except your own at times.

That, my friend, is my definition of self-love.