They benefit from a happy wife and mommy, and I benefit from knowing that I'm doing something that is just for me. I've realized over time though that this is one of the most important ways I can take care of myself and in turn take care of my husband and kids. Even trying to find one thing a day that I do just for me, just because I want to, has been a challenge. I've had to actually force myself to take a time out for me. I've gotten better at it, but honestly it took a lot of practice. My brain has beat me up pretty bad in the past for taking time for myself rather than doing something for someone else. This is something I struggle with a lot-guilt. Self love means focusing on what makes you happy and not feeling guilty about it. But we should treat ourselves like we would treat our best friend-with caring and compassion and with a focus on our well-being.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have a best friend, you totally should. I would never let a friend of mine say those things to themselves, so why should I let me say those things? Very rarely do we treat ourselves like we are our own best friend. I've been known to says some awful things to myself.

Self love means being compassionate with yourself.

Rather than waiting for someone to send you the perfect card, or buy you those flowers you've been waiting for, or doing something equally as romantic why not do it for yourself? Besides, if you're the one doing it for you, you can't really screw it up with the wrong thing! Self love means that you spend time showing you how much you love you. What if instead we remember that we need to love ourselves before we can love someone else, and then actually do something about it? What a concept, right?! We spend a lot of time trying to find ways to show others we love them, or waiting for others to show us they love us. It sounds dirty, doesn't it? *insert 12 year old boy giggle here* Like, rather than just saying I love myself you say I practice self love.

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