Loving yourself is a very beautiful thing. All over the media, we are told to love ourselves. But what does that really mean? You can say you love yourself and compliment yourself on the regular, but what does it actually look like to love yourself?

Well, this is what "self love" means to me.

Self love is eating as healthy as you can and going to the gym. Even if you aren't always successful, the attempt and thought is what counts. Self love is going to check-ups and getting your shots (as much as you hate them). Self love is taking care of your health, no matter how afraid you are of doctors. Self love is also spoiling yourself with an ice cream sundae every now and again (comfort food for the win!).

Self love is going to school and doing all that you can to better your future. It is going to class, taking notes, and spending late nights studying so you can do your best on exams. But self love is also skipping a class and sleeping in when you really need it. Self love is getting that degree no matter what.

Self love is working a job you love. Working a job you hate is so damaging and can totally drag you down. Love yourself so much that you work a job where you don't even feel like you're working!

Self love is saving your money that you worked hard for. Self love is splurging every now and again and buying that outfit or that MAC lipstick you really want (even if it's a "bad" idea). It's paying your bills and getting things done on your own.

Self love is walking away from toxic relationships and friendships because you know you deserve far more than what you have been given. Leaving a person is hard no matter what, but truly showing the world and yourself how much you care for yourself is much more important.

Self love is wearing whatever you want. If you look good and feel confident, wear it. Self love is wearing what is appropriate for your body type, and embracing your body because you are fabulous.

Self love is accepting situations as they are. Positive thinking is beneficial, but there is a difference between thinking positively and being delusional. Showing love for yourself is staying positive but truthfully accepting and understanding the situations you are in.

Self love is living in the present. Don't let what could happen in ten minutes or in ten years bother you now; live in the moment. Self love is leaving the past behind as a memory and a lesson but not letting it eat you up because you really can't change it.

Self love is doing things that make you happy, whether it's shopping, coloring, doing make up. Self love is doing anything that makes you smile.

Self love is putting yourself first! You are number one. Self love is choosing yourself over everything and everyone else. Loving yourself is all about putting your best interest and happiness as your top priority.

Anyone can say they love themselves and put on a good show covering themselves with a fake smile. But to truly love yourself is far more than words; it's in your actions. Truly loving yourself is more important than most people give themselves credit for. Love for yourself radiates to how you appear to the world.

To me, self love is all about actions.

You know what they say, "until you love yourself, you can't expect anyone else to love you."