"DETACH TO REATTACH"

(because the first step in loving yourself is having the courage to be alone)

The phrase "LOVE YOURSELF" has been widely circulated on social media, particularly during the recent pandemic. It is a concept frequently discussed by mental health professionals, celebrities, motivational speakers, and even by religious leaders in your community. When seeking advice from friends, this is often the first suggestion offered. You may have heard numerous strategies on how to practice self-love, read countless books on the topic, watched numerous YouTube videos, and perhaps feel that it has become somewhat cliché.

However, in my opinion, one aspect that is often overlooked is that the initial step in embracing self-love is becoming comfortable with solitude.

Consider this: when we dedicate so much of our attention, care, and love to others, we tend to neglect our own needs. We become consumed with ensuring their happiness and satisfaction, often at the expense of our own well-being. Despite feeling drained and exhausted, we may dismiss these feelings as simply being kind-hearted towards others.

Yet, when those individuals depart from our lives, and we find ourselves alone, we are faced with the question: Who are we without them? Our perception of the world crumbles, our support system vanishes, and we are left adrift, unsure of our next steps.

By allowing ourselves to detach, to truly embrace solitude, we challenge ourselves to rely solely on our own strength. This introspection enables us to discover our true selves, discern our desires and needs, recognize our sources of joy, and establish healthy boundaries. We refuse to settle for anything less.

Only when we establish a connection with our inner selves can we genuinely begin to love ourselves. 🩵