I’m where my heart truly belongs, in a space where I didn’t take the time to listen before. I try to give what’s asked of me, and if I can’t right now, I know in my heart that I’ll return soon. I want to have conversations, to truly listen. I don’t want to waste my time on distractions that drain me. My time is precious, and I’m committed to making space for myself and the things that bring me joy and gratitude. I cherish life, and I spend time understanding my own needs and feelings. Love is a simple emotion; it doesn’t come from desperation, but flows naturally. I see life with all its ups and downs, including those tough feelings, and I know they won’t last forever. I choose to embrace them, to move through them, but I aim to stay whole, not scattered or confused. I accept my emotions as part of everyday life. They come and go, and I don’t let them divide me or send me into a panic. Instead, I stay grounded and focused on who I am. Even when feelings like pain, sadness, or anger weigh me down, I believe in my ability to overcome them because I am worthy of love. Life is on my side, protecting me and showing me that every day. I don’t rely on outside expectations; I trust myself and recognize my own strength. I understand that emotions like fear and restlessness have been with me since childhood; they aim to protect me, and they come from a place of love, wanting to keep me safe.

Now that I’m a grown person, I’ve learned to deal with my challenges. Even when things get tough and don’t go my way, I realize it’s alright because all the mistakes and lessons I’ve encountered push me closer to success. Life seems to have my back, guiding me where I need to be. I recognize that I was born in a place that wasn’t ideal, but I was surrounded by people who cared for me and tried their best during tough times. I longed for love, acceptance, and understanding from those around me, but I found myself in relationships and situations that weren’t healthy for me. This led me to believe that love and affection were hard to come by, and I struggled with it. I sought out attention because I craved the affection I missed out on as a child, but I’ve grown beyond that. Now as an adult, I can acknowledge when old patterns resurface. I’m in a position to view love with a mature perspective, and I can choose what truly benefits me.

As kids, we didn’t really learn to look inward because we were taught to seek what we needed from the outside world. We often searched for our resources elsewhere. Initially, we focus on trying to fulfill those needs, but sometimes we’re not sure what we really need or we might end up choosing things that don’t fit us well. This happens because we don’t take the time to listen or reflect enough. For a while, we look for things to satisfy our basic needs, but as we start to educate ourselves and become more invested in living a healthy life, we seek out the right resources to take better care of ourselves. We start to understand what’s harmful to our bodies. It’s a gradual journey, and we realize that making a lifestyle change requires discipline. Self-love needs the right resources and a healthy diet to help us build a strong inner self. This includes forgiving and accepting our past as it is since we can’t change it; we can only learn that those experiences encourage us to reflect and find balance. It also involves being kind to ourselves through tough emotions and situations, as well as being open to new opportunities and challenges that help us move past our restlessness and build confidence.

When you’re going through a tough time, just remember that it’s totally okay not to feel great all the time. Throughout the day, your feelings can shift, and it’s really important to acknowledge all those emotions you’re experiencing. When you start to feel overwhelmed with anxiety, sadness, or disappointment, your body is basically telling you to take a step back and figure out what’s causing these feelings. Taking a moment to meditate can really help you reset and reconnect with self-love. Even when things get rough, try to practice gratitude. Start by appreciating the emotions you’re feeling—whether it’s anxiety, pain, or fear—because these feelings are there to protect you. They’re your body’s way of showing it cares. When you’re feeling restless or let down, remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way and that this is all part of your protective mechanism. Tell yourself, ‘I’m strong, and I’ll be okay, no matter what happens.’ Embrace that self-love.