So many of us spend years learning how to give love—to our families, friends, partners, even our careers—but when it comes to accepting love from ourselves, we hesitate. Why is that? Why is it so much easier to offer kindness and compassion to others, yet so difficult to turn that same love inward?

Often, we’re taught that love is something we earn. We tell ourselves that once we’ve accomplished enough, perfected ourselves, or met others’ expectations, then we’ll deserve love—then we’ll be “worthy.” But I want you to know something: You don’t have to earn love from yourself. You already deserve it. Right here. Right now.

Accepting love from yourself isn’t about doing more, fixing more, or proving more. It’s about recognizing that you are worthy just as you are. It’s about meeting yourself where you are, flaws and all, and saying, “I see you, I accept you, and I love you.”

Here’s the truth: when you learn to accept love from yourself, you open the door to a deeper sense of peace and wholeness. You no longer need validation from the outside world because you’ve found it within. You start to understand that self-love is the foundation for everything—your happiness, your relationships, and your sense of fulfillment.

But how do we do this?

It starts with small, simple acts. When you’re tempted to criticize yourself, pause. Replace that criticism with kindness, the same way you would comfort a dear friend. When you feel overwhelmed, instead of pushing through, take a moment to ask, “What do I need right now?” And when you accomplish something—big or small—take time to celebrate yourself.

The next time you look in the mirror, instead of seeing flaws, look at yourself with the eyes of love. Speak words of kindness and affirmation. You don’t have to be perfect to deserve love. You just have to be you.

Learning to accept love from yourself is a journey, and like any journey, it takes practice. But the more you practice, the more natural it will feel. And when you allow yourself to be loved by the person who knows you best—you—something beautiful happens: You begin to truly feel at peace within yourself.

Let’s end with a simple prayer for self-love:

Dear Loving Source,

Help me to open my heart to the love that I often give so freely to others. Teach me to accept love from myself, even in moments when I feel unworthy. Let me see myself through Your eyes—whole, complete, and deserving of compassion. May I embrace my imperfections with kindness and let my heart be a place of love, always. And so it is.