Self-care, and ideas for how to implement it, have been popular topics of conversation over the last several years. Whether or not you’ve read the best self-help books or mapped out a routine to help you stay on track, you’re likely familiar with what it looks like (exercise, a bubble bath, or quality time with friends might come to mind), and the many health benefits it has to offer. Self-love is a related concept, but it is also much more personal in several important ways.
As these quotes about self-love will illustrate, learning to value oneself is a process of discovery that looks different for every person. Psychology Today explains that it’s not as simple as getting a makeover or finding a new relationship. Instead, self-love grows from “actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth.” It’s an ongoing process that can be cultivated through acts such as mindfulness, creating boundaries, forgiveness, and living intentionally, all of which will mean something completely unique for every individual.
While this might all sound daunting, these quotes will inspire you to get started on your self-love journey. Some of the most well-known writers, entertainers, fashion designers, and even Supreme Court justices have made powerful statements about learning to embrace their individuality to lead richer, more fulfilling lives. Finding and maintaining self-love isn’t the most straightforward task for anyone, but these sentiments show how it’s well-worth the pursuit.
1
Oscar Wilde
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”
2
Diane Von Furstenberg
“When a woman becomes her own best friend, life is easier.”
3
Tina Fey, Bossypants
“Do your thing and don't care if they like it.”
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4
Rumi
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
5
Marilyn Monroe
“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.”
6
Brené Brown
“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”
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7
Nora Ephron
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”
8
Tara Westover
“Forgiveness isn't just the absence of anger. I think it's also the presence of self-love, when you actually begin to value yourself.
9
Unknown
“Be so completely yourself that everyone else feels safe to be themselves, too.”
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10
Eartha Kitt
“It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self love deficit.”
11
Jodi Picoult, Change of Heart
“When you're different, sometimes you don't see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn't.”
12
Lucille Ball
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
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13
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.”
14
Warsan Shire
“Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself – what you’re wearing, who you’re around, what you’re doing. Recreate and repeat.”
15
Maya Angelou, Letter to My Daughter
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
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16
Aristotle
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
17
Tyra Banks
“Self-love has very little to do with how you feel about your outer self. It's about accepting all of yourself.”
18
Buddha
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
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19
Kate Mara
“Being comfortable in your own skin is one of the most important things to achieve. I’m still working on it!”
20
Fred Rogers
“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
Samantha Lawyer
Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City, I have immersed myself in the topics of self-care and self-love. Over the past several years, I have delved deep into these subjects, gaining a wealth of knowledge and first-hand expertise. My work has been featured in reputable publications such as Woman's Day, Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping, where I have shared insights and ideas on a variety of topics ranging from gifting to health and entertainment.
Self-care has become a popular topic of conversation, and many of us are familiar with the idea of taking care of ourselves through activities like exercise, indulging in a bubble bath, or spending quality time with friends. The benefits of self-care are well-documented, with numerous studies highlighting the positive impact it can have on our overall well-being.
However, self-love takes the concept of self-care to a more personal and intimate level. It is a process of self-discovery that differs for each individual. Psychology Today explains that self-love is not simply about physical makeovers or finding new relationships. Instead, it is a journey of growth that involves actions supporting our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This ongoing process can be nurtured through practices such as mindfulness, setting boundaries, forgiveness, and intentional living. Each of these acts holds a unique meaning for every person.
Although the idea of cultivating self-love may seem daunting, these quotes from various influential individuals will serve as a source of inspiration for embarking on your own journey of self-love. Renowned writers, entertainers, fashion designers, and even Supreme Court justices have shared powerful statements about embracing their individuality to lead more fulfilling lives.
Oscar Wilde once said, "To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance." Diane Von Furstenberg believes that "when a woman becomes her own best friend, life becomes easier." Tina Fey encourages us to "do our thing and not care if others like it." These sentiments, along with others from individuals such as Rumi, Marilyn Monroe, and Brené Brown, highlight the importance of self-love in leading a rich and meaningful life.
Ultimately, finding and maintaining self-love is not a straightforward task for anyone. However, the quotes provided demonstrate that the pursuit of self-love is a worthwhile endeavor. It is about being the heroine of your own life, valuing yourself, and embracing your unique qualities. As Lucille Ball wisely said, "Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line."
In conclusion, self-love is a deeply personal and transformative journey that requires continuous effort and self-reflection. It involves accepting and embracing oneself, valuing one's worth, and cultivating practices that support personal growth. Through the quotes of influential figures, we are reminded that self-love is an essential aspect of living a fulfilling and authentic life.
