As Valentine's Day approaches, it's easy for us to forget about ourselves and focus on those we love or those that we don't have (and wish we did [shoutout to Channing Tatum]). Self-love is something that a lot of us forget to do. Loving yourself is critical, and it is not selfish to do so. When you forget to love yourself, it dampers your confidence, which can affect anything you do. I know that I struggle finding reasons to love myself because all I can focus on is my flaws. Here are a few reasons that you should love yourself.
1. You are unique.
Your personality, looks, ideas—they are all yours, and no one can take everything that defines you and duplicate it. Love yourself because there is only one of you.
2. You have dreams.
You aspire to make it in life, and when you love yourself, you believe in yourself. Believing in yourself is critical in making your dreams come true. It also allows you to set beneficial goals.
3. You aren't selfish.
You love doing things for others, big or small. By paying it forward, holding the door open for someone, helping others through tough times, and so much more, you make yourself a well-rounded person. People love to be around you.
4. You are intelligent.
Your intelligence is unique—you don't need the grades to be labeled as "smart." Everything you know and take joy in researching is different from others. Your ideas are a culmination of all your smarts, and no one can take that from you.
5. You're crazy.
Your humor, attitude, personality, things you like, things you dislike, and what you take joy in arguing for or against—everything that makes you crazy, makes you special. People value others that have a heart for things and argue for them. Your sense of humor, even if you aren't that funny, is something people love about you. Life should not always be taken so seriously, so lighten up, and let people see your crazy side.
6. It helps your health.
Loving yourself makes you feel better physically and emotionally. Feeling positive about yourself helps you sleep at night and also encourages you to be healthier (in your habits and routines).
7. You become stronger.
Loving yourself allows you to become emotionally stronger. You walk with your head held higher, and people look up to you. You don't need to have the best shoes, clothes, hair, or makeup for people to be wowed by you.
8. You have to love yourself in order to love others.
How can you love someone else if you don't even love yourself? Figuring out how to love yourself will make it easier for you to find love and treat others with the love and respect they deserve.
Loving yourself makes life easier. When you are displeased with who you are, it affects your attitude, relationships, and how you go about life. You are you, and no one or anything can change that. So as Justin Bieber says, "You should go and love yourself."
