Self-Love

A poem about the true essence of self-love—it's not just acceptance but also growth, resilience, and making decisions that shape a better future.

I thought self-love was just accepting who I am,
Finding peace with each day’s plan,
Looking in the mirror, calm and free,
Embracing the girl I was meant to be.
Flipping through albums, pausing to see,
The younger me, smiling back at me.
I thought it meant staying strong, wearing my crown,
Even when the world tried to bring me down.
But now I see that’s not the whole truth,
For self-love wears many shades, many hues.

Like a parent saying no, to protect and care,
Self-denial is love, a burden we share.
It’s the strength to resist fleeting pleasure for gain,
To chase a future through struggle and pain.
To say no when the craving feels so strong,
To walk away when staying feels wrong.
To choose the path, though the easy one glows,
With glitter and candy, where wisdom won’t grow.

Self-love is growth, a lesson so deep,
Knowing when to rest and when to leap.
To learn from mistakes, and let them rearrange,
Rewriting my story, embracing change.
Each day I strive with steps anew,
To practice self-love in all I do.
For it’s a journey, not a goal to attain,
A rhythm that strengthens, through joy and pain.

Author's Note

What does self-love truly mean to you i would love to hear your thoughts?