Self-love letters

How do I love me? Let me count the ways.

- Avanti Dalal

For many people, the concept of self-love might conjure up images of cheesy self-help books or new-age fads. For some it may look like expensive candles, over-the-top spa retreats and fancy gym memberships. For others it may mean wearing a swimsuit on the beach, declining invitations to go out, or quitting a toxic job. But self-love is actually an overarching concept that includes all of these things: self-acceptance, self-compassion, self-forgiveness, self-respect, self-empathy and self-care, each important in the world we live in today.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

“Self-love is being in a state of appreciation for oneself while we mindfully practise actions that support our psychological, physical and spiritual growth,” says Los Angeles-based Dr Deepika Chopra, an optimism doctor, happiness researcher and founder of Things Are Looking Up. “There is a strong connection between self-love and self-esteem. Deciding that you are valuable and worthy enough yourself to take actions to support your own growth, helps to increase happiness,” she says.