Self-Love, Yes — But Self-Awareness, Too | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Self Love

Self-Love, Yes — But Self-Awareness, Too

I'm all for self-love in a million different little ways throughout the day, but without us critically analyzing who we are and what we want to improve about ourselves, living our best lives becomes about only indulging our wants.

163
Self-Love, Yes — But Self-Awareness, Too
Photo by Jeremy Vessey on Unsplash

The latest catchphrase is "live your best life." Anytime you treat yourself or do something exciting, it's supposed to be considered living your best life.

Living your best life is now synonymous with indulging oneself. It's about enjoying life's pleasures and going the extra miles for yourself. While these endeavors do contribute to overall joy, we're neglecting to mention that becoming your best self also involves living a life for others and making the more difficult decision.

Right now, living your best life involves self-love, but we're forgetting the self-awareness part.

Imagine telling yourself that you're becoming who you want to be when you end that toxic relationship for the last time or you decide to start donating to a cause you believe in.

Imagine telling a friend that they're becoming their best selves when they start a new hobby or discuss a difficult topic with you.

I'm all for self-love in a million different little ways throughout the day, but without us critically analyzing who we are and what we want to improve about ourselves, living our best lives becomes about only indulging our wants.

We should define a good life as contributing to the world around us instead of only contributing to the wants inside of us. These little whims are good to inspire you and fix a bad day, but we should define our best selves as something more.

I've done a lot of check-ups on myself and who I want to be, and I've found nothing more fulfilling than going out of my comfort zone and finding new areas to grow in.

I've started trying to live my life through a model of asking myself if what I am currently doing is contributing to the woman I want to be long-term. Sure, iced coffee is great, but didn't I want to live a healthier lifestyle this year? Of course, I can stay in and take a relaxing bubble bath, but didn't I make a resolution to spend more time with friends and family?

I encourage you to really analyze how you feel and who you are and love that person with all your heart, while also realizing that there are always new things to discover and learn about yourself. It's entirely possible to be living your best life without always being your best self. Don't let the distance from those two scare you, instead find fulfillment in the journey.

So buy those new shoes and get that extra dessert, but don't forget that every day can also be a day to find new ways to grow more into the person you want to be. And sometimes that means sacrificing an easy day to do something for a greater cause or for someone else.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

128406
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29071
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

26953
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments