Pillar 7: Self-Love
Self-love is the heart of this journey, a return to the truth of who you are. It’s not simply the act of appreciating yourself; it’s recognizing that, at your core, you are unconditional love. This pillar isn’t an endpoint but an ongoing relationship with yourself, where you treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and reverence. It’s about honoring your essence and embracing your worth without conditions, without exceptions.
While self-awareness grounds us in the understanding of who we are, self-love is the embrace of that understanding. It is the culmination of every other pillar, allowing you to surrender, express, and honor yourself as the unique being you were created to be. When you recognize yourself as love, you naturally radiate this essence outward, creating an inner environment where you feel safe, supported, and truly alive.
That said, I know this step can be deeply challenging, especially if you’ve spent years being hard on yourself or if you’re facing inner struggles. Self-love can be especially difficult for those who may experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. It’s not that you don’t want to feel self-love; it’s that, during times of inner turmoil, it can feel almost impossible to access.
If this resonates with you, please know you’re not alone, and self-love is something that develops over time, often with gentle practice and support. For those with conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, seeking professional help can be an essential part of the journey. My own sister faces the challenge of bipolar disorder, so I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to engage in acts of self-love, especially when symptoms are active. Remember, needing support doesn’t take away from your strength or worth—it’s a loving action in itself to seek help when it’s needed.
So, take this step with compassion for yourself. Even small acts of kindness toward yourself matter, and each moment of self-acceptance is a step toward a deeper sense of wholeness. Self-love isn’t about reaching a perfect state; it’s about building an ongoing, compassionate relationship with yourself, honoring the journey in all its stages.
Mirror Work: The Loving Embrace
This exercise encourages you to connect with your essence of unconditional love, strengthening the foundation of all the other pillars.
Instructions:
- Choose a love song that resonates with you—one that opens your heart.
- Sit or stand in front of a mirror. Take a deep breath and connect with your reflection.
- As you reach out to your reflection, notice how your hand both gives and receives. This is a powerful reminder that our inner and outer worlds mirror one another.
- Gently say, “I love you.” Let the words flow in whatever way feels true.
- As the music plays, place your hand on the mirror, trace the outline of your reflection, and say, “I accept all of me.”
- Let the words repeat until they begin to resonate.
Goal: This exercise creates a heart-to-heart connection with yourself. The music, words, and movement help anchor your affirmation of love and acceptance. Over time, it builds your ability to see yourself as whole, lovable, and worthy.
Journaling Prompt:
- How did it feel to say “I love you” and “I accept all of me”?
- What thoughts or emotions surfaced?
- What part was most difficult?
- What would your reflection say back to you if it could?
Self-Love: The Core Essence of Who We Are
At our core, beyond all identities and experiences, we are love. Yet many of us have been taught to measure our worth externally or only give love freely to others. True self-love is not something to earn—it is something to reclaim.
To return to yourself is to remember: you are not broken. You are love. And you always have been.
The Role of Self-Love in Deep Self-Connection
Self-love allows you to:
- Trust yourself
- Release self-judgment
- Embrace your worth
- Form healthy relationships
- Create inner peace
Why Self-Love Can Feel Challenging
Conditioning, trauma, and societal expectations often cause us to turn away from self-love. If it feels distant or forced, start with small acts of kindness toward yourself. Let it be a practice of returning—again and again.
Affirmations: Bridging the Heart and Mind
For affirmations to work, they must be believable and emotionally resonant.
Self-Love Affirmation Process:
- Choose a phrase that feels possible.
- Breathe as you speak it.
- Adjust the wording to meet your truth.
- Pair it with a moment of safety or love.
- Repeat slowly, letting it land.
- Journal any reactions or shifts.
- Be consistent—let this be your daily devotion.
Final Thoughts: You Are Love
You don’t have to become someone else to be worthy. You already are. Coming home to yourself is a return to this knowing.
Let your self-love journey continue. And if you feel ready for the next step…
Invitation to Go Deeper
If you feel called to deepen this journey, I invite you to explore Return to You: A Masterclass in Self-Reclamation and Unshakable Freedom—a self-paced program supported by live calls and a community of like-minded women.
In the coming days, I’ll send you more details. If you’d like to connect sooner, I welcome you to Book Your Complimentary Clarity Call.
Let’s explore your vision, your blocks, and your next step.
Thank you for saying yes to you.
With love,
Eileen