Love Yourself Inside Out

A Little Extra Each Day

Poonam Vashist
Heartful Horizons
2 min readFeb 11, 2024

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

As a child, I struggled with self-doubt and insecurities that clouded my perception of myself. During a young age, I found it challenging to embrace my true identity. If someone criticized my appearance, I internalized their words and allowed them to shape my self-image.

If labeled “fat”, I would shun tight clothes and sleeveless tops. Remarks about my skin led me to find remedies and different pastes and masks on my face. If someone commented on my height, I would wear high heels, no matter how much they hurt my feet.

If someone complimented me, I would wonder what they wanted from me. I didn’t see myself as beautiful, so I questioned their intentions. The point is, even if there was something good about me, I still focused on my flaws. I never felt perfect in my own eyes. I always felt inferior and insecure regardless of what I accomplished or what positive attributes I possessed.

But recently, I found my old pictures in my Google Photos, and wow! Did I look good? Of course, in my eyes, I looked perfect even at that age when I doubted myself and made myself feel bad. I realized that I was perfect just the way I was, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my younger self. That’s why I am who I am today.

It has been difficult for me to accept myself, but through perseverance, I’ve discovered the invaluable lesson of loving myself unconditionally. If you could see yourself in the future, you would realize that you are perfect just as you are. So why regret it later?

Realize that you are an amazing creation of the universe, just like the stars in the sky. You are special, just like the flowers that bloom, the bees that buzz, the birds that sing, and the trees that sway. You are unique in your way, and you are beautiful inside and out.

Closing Thoughts

This Valentine’s Week, let us all take a moment to reflect on the power of love and kindness. As we celebrate love in its many forms, may we also remember to extend that love to ourselves.

Embrace your uniqueness, cherish your journey, and celebrate the incredible person you are. As you navigate life’s ups and downs, may you always find solace in the knowledge that you are enough, just as you are.

Let love be your guiding light, illuminating every step of your journey. Embrace yourself, love yourself, and watch as the world opens its arms to welcome the beautiful soul that is you.✨💖

© 2024 Poonam Vashist.

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Poonam Vashist
Heartful Horizons

In pursuit of creating magic with my words and making a subtle difference by bringing closer the worlds of my dreams.✨