Almost everywhere we look, we see signs, tees and hashtags about being kind. The presumption behind the popular statement is that we should be kind to one another. Well, yes, agreed. We should indeed show kindness to each other (yes, please!). And while we’re being kind to each other, let’s also normalize showing kindness to ourselves.

Going one bold step further, let’s normalize loving ourselves. We’re often quick to love someone else, but for some reason, not ourselves. Or, if we do love ourselves, it almost feels a bit taboo to admit.

It’s celebrated for other people to love us and vice versa. And yet, self love seems unacceptable or too woo woo. It seems that mainstream culture is uncomfortable with the idea of loving ourselves. We tell our spouses or partners we love them, we tell our kids and family we love them, we extend love to friends and acquaintances or even strangers in some cases. We give love freely, but more often than not, we skip giving ourselves the same courtesy.

To be clear, loving ourselves in this connotation does not equate to arrogance, conceit or a sense of entitlement over others. Those qualities, rather, often come from a place of trauma and/or fear, not genuine self love.

Authentically loving ourselves is just the opposite. Loving ourselves is showing grace, patience, acceptance and all the amazing things that come along naturally with heartfelt love. Instead of over-analyzing and constantly critiquing ourselves, let’s give ourselves a break; let’s break away from the negative self-talk and replace it with supportive, motivating, kind words.

If we allow it, we can love ourselves in the healthy, organic way we love others and they love us. Loving ourselves is crucial in our healing as individuals and as a community.

Let’s make it okay. Let’s make it beautiful.

Let’s normalize it.