Self-Love vs. Selfishness

Self-love is the practice of being kind, patient and compassionate to yourself, the way you would be with someone else that you care about. It is this self-love that creates the foundation for health, happiness and wellbeing.

On the other hand, Selfish usually means someone who goes beyond Self-care and actively takes from others, who is concerned excessively with oneself and seeking one's own advantage, pleasure, well-being to the exclusion of others.

The distinction seems much harder in real life; especially to new mothers. They misunderstand Self-love as being Selfish and take their life for granted. They end up spending their time taking care of everyone else at the cost of their own health and well-being, and end up depleted; and exhausted; with little to no energy.

Mindfullness practices like Yoga, Breathing and Meditation, teach us to practice Self-love without being Selfish and noticing the difference in practice when life happens around us.

Only when one practices Self-love, s/he ready to help another and care for their needs. There are a few ways you can find out if you are prioritizing Self-care.

1. Do you spend any time just being with yourself on a regular basis?

2. Do you cook yourself a good meal even when there is no one else around?

3. Do you generally feel happy and content with life?

If you are unsure of the answer to any of these questions or the answer is a no, it may be time for you to reflect on your own needs and treat yourself with a mindfulness practice.

May you know the real meaning of Self-love and prioritize it to be an empathetic and compassionate human being!