You Are Worthy of Love

I have been thinking a lot about love lately.  Not romantic love, but the ability to love thyself, receive love from others, and give genuine love.  As women, perhaps its in our DNA or perhaps we are just conditioned to give, always give of ourselves. To be the nurturer and the caregiver.  It’s often expected and not necessarily reciprocated by others.

We often take care of others with little to no regard for ourselves. We cook, we clean, we work, we manage everyone else’s schedule. We feel guilty when we can’t be available for others.  We often don’t expect others to stand up for themselves and attempt to fill their needs even when it doesn’t serve us and probably doesn’t help the other grow stronger either.

We drive on and on…we power through.

Until we can’t.

Something happens as we age…life catches up to us. We start to break down mentally and physically.  Some of it can be tied to hormonal changes.  Some of it can be tied to stress and cortisol levels.  And some of it comes from the way we've been treated, allowing ourselves to believe we are not worthy of love.

Think about all of the things you want for yourself.  I’m not talking about stuff.  I’m talking about being happy, joyful, feeling good in your body, having a clear mind, pursuing your goals and dreams, feeling a part of something bigger than yourself, feeling connected.

How do we connect with those parts of ourselves and keep connecting with them so we practice our self-love all of the time?  It’s so easy to go back to old habits or what we perceive as easy or comfortable, but is it?  Are we doing anything but hurting ourselves?

What if we can remind ourselves that we are worthy of our own love and care every day? And how does that change how others interact with and perceive us?  If they see us loving ourselves, will it change how they also show their love?

How can we best nurture ourselves?  We all have somewhat different needs, but love is universal. So, it might start with a morning mantra of “I am deserving and worthy of love.”  “I deserve to feel good in my body.” “I can make my mental and physical health a priority.”

And then that sets us up to take actions for ourselves.  Our morning routines set us up for success for the rest of the day.

Daily Acts of Love (That Science Backs)

• Mindful Mornings – meditation, journaling, gratitude = emotional resilience.
• Movement – exercise or stretching = endorphins, energy, positivity.
• Nourishing Breakfast – Harvard research shows balanced breakfasts improve focus, mood, and stability.
• Connection – small chats, hugs, smiles = belonging and joy.
• Light & Hydration – sunshine, water = alertness and cognitive support.

If we start to think about these things as acts of love for ourselves vs added chores or tasks, can we begin to make them a priority?  Make ourselves a priority?

I’m not suggesting that we go all in at once as that would likely set us up for failure.  But what can we start doing today to set ourselves up for success?  Maybe it’s planning breakfast for tomorrow so we have what we need…maybe make some overnight oats.  They usually hold up for about 3 days, so you can prep 3 meals in just a few minutes. 

My super easy overnight oats recipe is:

• Half a cup of rolled oats
• Cover with chia seeds
• Add a bit of flax seed
• Mix in milk so everything is saturated.
• Add a big scoop of Greek yogurt.
• Drizzle with honey.
• Mix it all together. Top with your favorite berries and nuts. Let it sit over night and enjoy in the morning.

Maybe it’s making some homemade granola (no sugar, lots of nuts and dried fruit) to make a yogurt parfait in the morning.  Good protein and calcium to get your day started!

Or maybe it’s getting up 10 minutes early to go sit on your patio with the sun on your face for just a bit of quiet time to start your day.  Maybe it’s getting up 30 minutes early to go for the walk and get your quiet time.

Maybe it’s putting on a podcast or your favorite music on your way to work in the morning.

All of this is a practice and it’s not something to beat yourself up about, but it is something to build and develop.  It’s how we show ourselves we matter.  We matter, too.

If we wait too long to start incorporating self-love and self-care into our lives, we will end up sick and unable to help ourselves or anyone else. Be the caregiver to yourself that no one else has been.  Wrap yourself up in a soft cozy warm blanket with a cup of tea or coffee or hot chocolate if you prefer, and sit in the sun or around a crackling fire as a huge self-hug.

You are worthy of love.

You matter. 

Your wellness matters. 

You are important and this world is better with you in it.