I know I talk a lot about self-love here, but the number of messages I still receive on this topic tells me how many women continue struggling with it. And that’s completely normal. Loving your body and accepting yourself is not something that happens overnight. If you truly decide to take the first steps toward embracing who you are, prepare yourself for a long, meaningful journey. It is a process that requires patience, consistency and honesty.

The first thing to remember is your individuality. It may sound simple, but the habit of comparing ourselves to others is so deeply rooted that we often don’t notice when it happens. The truth is that comparison steals joy. There is nothing more powerful than becoming the best version of yourself rather than trying to mirror someone else’s life, body or achievements. We are all different, and perfection simply doesn’t exist. What does exist is growth, self-respect and balance.

A helpful exercise is to make a list of what you genuinely love about yourself and what you are grateful for. Think of the compliments you’ve received throughout your life — even small ones. Write everything down: your smile, your eyes, your kindness, your persistence, your sense of humor. When we face insecurities, we forget these details, but they are the foundation of our self-perception. Seeing them on paper can shift your perspective in a surprising way.

Another important step is to reduce negativity. Negative thoughts, emotions and old traumas do not simply disappear. They settle in our bodies and our physical memory, leaving us with a constant sense of disconnection. When you don’t feel grounded in yourself, it becomes difficult to love your body sincerely. Small rituals can help. Take warm, relaxing baths, use calming scents, stretch, meditate or practice simple breathing exercises. These slow, mindful moments bring you back to yourself and allow your mind to soften.

But self-love is not only about inner work. It is also about doing things that make you feel alive and beautiful. Watch a movie that comforts you, visit your favorite place, treat yourself to a new hairstyle, wear the outfit that makes you feel confident. The more you choose activities that genuinely bring you joy, the less space anxiety will have in your everyday life.

Be productive in the way that serves your well-being. Invest in yourself. Fix the things that bother you instead of ignoring them. Allow your confidence to grow slowly but steadily. And most importantly, give yourself the love you expect from the world. When you choose yourself, everything else begins to fall into place.