Life isn’t solely about our own perspectives; it’s also about connecting with others. Imagine how beautiful life could be if we paused more often and weren’t so rigidly attached to our own beliefs and ideas.

Social media feeds are designed to be addictive. They constantly refresh, offering new content and notifications, which can lead us to spend hours mindlessly scrolling. The visual stimulation and dopamine-driven rewards make it easy to lose track of time. While these platforms can foster connections and provide entertainment, excessive use can have detrimental effects on our health.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, where responsibilities and obligations often take center stage, the notion of putting oneself first can seem both indulgent and impractical. However, embracing the principle of self-love—symbolized by the phrase ‘Girl, Put Yourself First…’—is not about selfishness; it’s about ensuring that you are emotionally and mentally equipped to handle life’s challenges and nurture your relationships. Understanding why this concept matters and how to implement it can pave the way to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

In today’s social media-driven world, self-love has become a prominent topic of discussion. But before delving into its meaning, let’s first explore the essence of love itself. Echkart Tolle aptly describes love as a state of being, residing deep within us. It is an intrinsic part of who we are, unaffected by external forms or validation.

For a long time, I never truly grasped the concept of loving myself. I used to think that practicing self-care equated to self-love. However, self-care and self-love are different. Self-love is about fully accepting yourself for who you are and filling yourself with love.

On my quest for deeper self-discovery, here are 10 more lessons I’ve learned:

• Awareness: Expands rapidly and deeply. You begin to understand why you prefer certain foods, places, or people, and how these preferences shape your life.

• Honesty: Increases with self-reflection. As you become more truthful with yourself, you naturally become more honest with others.

I started a deeper soul search after I left my business of 7.5 years at the end of 2018. It wasn’t my intention, however it came to me…I guess I could say, my soul was yearning. My intention was to take 6 months off to be with myself and “take a break” from many years of working in the event industry. I needed a pause to just “be”. Well, here I am today sharing what I feel has been one of the best things that’s happened for me…