Understanding the transformative power of self-love

LOVE is one of those words we think we understand until life teaches us otherwise.

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Many of us grow up believing love is something we give away in portions: to our children, our partners, our parents and our community. We are taught, especially within Indian households, that love is synonymous with sacrifice. Be the good daughter.

Be the dependable son. Put your needs last. Carry the family name with pride, even if it costs you your peace. And for generations, we have done this beautifully. Tirelessly. Sometimes to our own detriment.

I have lived long enough to know that love, when misunderstood, can become exhausting.

When misdirected, it can leave us depleted, resentful or quietly grieving the life we never fully lived. Yet, when love is understood, truly understood, it becomes restorative. Progressive. Powerful enough to change not only individual lives, but families and communities too.

Here is the truth I have come to believe: the most important love you will ever experience is love of self. Not arrogance.