Self-love is not selfish, love yourself, respect yourself, accept yourself, and admire yourself.

In the whirlwind of today's digital age, it is easy to lose sight of the significance of staying true to yourself, especially when social media continuously overloads us with carefully chosen pictures and viewpoints. With every passing moment, every single person on social media is getting increasingly hungry for likes, comments, and shares. At the same time, many people are struggling to fit in places that were never meant for them. Why is that so?

Have you ever asked yourself why we are in dire need of the acceptance and approval of others by being what we are not? Why do you have to follow the trend? Why do you have to jump on the bandwagon when you can choose your own ride and path? Why do you get validation from others more important than showing yourself some love?

Self-love is a fleeting trend and the master key to a life rooted in inner harmony and genuine fulfillment. When you discover how to genuinely value yourself, set limits, and accept your flaws, you start to live by your own beliefs, free from the pressure to fit in. You give yourself access to a path of increased authenticity, contentment, and long-lasting enjoyment when you practice self-love.
Yes, self-love and self-care are important topics that deserve everyone’s attention.

Why Self-Love and Self-Care are Important?
Your self-worth is profoundly shaped by your actions, as these actions reflect how you perceive yourself and how you permit others to see and treat them. If individuals do not treat their own soul and body well, how can they expect others to treat them well? Everything begins from within. People often seek attention and love from others, forgetting that they need to prioritise themselves the most.
The Dark Clouds
The dark times when you sit alone in your room, with tears streaming down your cheeks—who wipes them away? You do. When you are crouching down, giving yourself all the affection and strength, and waking up the next day feeling fresh as if nothing happened, who picks you up at that moment? It has always been you. You have been giving the most support and strength to your own body, mind, and soul.

The Artificial Reality
It is commonly observed that a lot of people are preoccupied with questions like “Will this filtered picture get me more likes and comments? Will everyone like my new ‘fake’ hobby? Will I be able to make friends with my cool vacation pictures? Will I be made fun of for my broken English?” The type of questions so many people ask themselves almost every day. Why do they find themselves questioning their every move? Perhaps it is because of the standards set by social media, which have made young people perpetually self-conscious about their real lives.
Wish People Could Be More Real
It would be wonderful if people would tell each other: “You are your own beauty. You do not need to fit into places where you do not belong. BE YOU. Set your boundaries. Learn to say ‘NO’. Get up from the table where respect is not being served.”
Personal Tips and Habits to Practice Self Love

K-Drama and BTS: A Global Phenomenon
Why are so many people nowadays increasingly invested and drawn to Korean dramas? The answer is pretty simple, it is their unique ability to offer a beautiful escape from the stresses of everyday life. These dramas not only entertain but also have a significant impact on one's mental health. But the question is how exactly do they affect us? At their core, K-dramas depict true authentic human emotions, showing the importance of prioritising one’s needs both physical and mental. The concepts of self-love and self-care are beautifully scripted in their narratives, providing viewers with a sense of validation and encouragement.

A Simple Life
In a world constantly demanding more success, possessions, and validation— a simple life, offers a peaceful antidote. Beauty lies in simplicity which is cheaper, easier, and above all, more peaceful. Quality entertainment, such as K-Dramas and BTS, reminds us that true joy comes from inner peace, not external possessions. Embracing simplicity and self-love is key to a fulfilling peaceful life.

With that in mind, I will enjoy some herbal tea and a bit of much-needed "me time" with the hope that these thoughts inspire you to embrace self-love and self-acceptance. Enjoy the ride through this beautiful journey because, in the end, it will make you fall in love with yourself and your life. HH

The writer is qualified with the degree in MS Psychology. She is currently lecturer at NIMS Medical Complex Abbottabad.
Email: mahumzeb[email protected]