Loving Myself as Though My Life Depends on It

I came across a quote by Anita Moorjani that stopped me in my tracks: 

“Self-love is not just about constantly giving yourself praise and telling yourself how awesome you are. It’s about loving the real you, the human you - the person who has feet of clay, who comes undone under criticism, who sometimes fails and disappoints others. It’s about making a commitment to yourself that you will stick by yourself - even if no one else does. That’s what I mean when I say you must love yourself as though your life depends on it, because quite simply, I know without a doubt that it does.”

This resonated so deeply with me because my own journey of healing has taught me that loving myself is not about perfection. It’s about presence and truth.

Last year, I went through one of the most painful seasons of my life. I experienced heartbreak of letting go of an old friendship that was so dear to me, and I lost trust in people who were so close to me. I also lost hope in ways that made me question everything. For a while, I felt broken like I had failed myself and others, like my flaws disqualified me from being loved. Under criticism or rejection, I would crumble inside, and in those moments, self-love felt out of reach.

But choosing to step into therapy changed everything. It became a space where I could unravel safely, where I learned to face my pain without shame. Week by week, I discovered that authenticity, being completely real with myself was the foundation of healing. I didn’t need to pretend to be strong all the time. I just needed to stay with myself, even when it was hard.

Art also became my therapy. With a brush in hand, I could pour out my emotions from grief, hope, anger, and joy onto canvas. Watercolors and acrylics carried the stories my heart couldn’t put into words. Painting taught me that beauty can emerge from brokenness, that colors can heal what words cannot.

Along the way, I’ve surrounded myself with people who value authenticity as much as I do. I’ve let go of the need for shallow connections and leaned into deep, truthful conversations. I’ve realized I no longer have to shrink or hide parts of myself just to belong.

Now, self-love is a promise I make to myself every day:

• To honor my feelings without rushing them away.

• To forgive myself when I stumble.

• To celebrate my growth, even in small steps.

• To stand by myself—even when no one else does.

Anita is right, our lives do depend on it. Because when we love ourselves as we are, with all our cracks and colors, we stop surviving and start living.

So if you need the reminder today like I often do, to let this be it: Love yourself as though your life depends on it. Because it truly does.

much love,

xoAi