If I Truly Loved Myself
I would gently massage my tired body after a long commute and tell myself, “You’ve worked so hard.”
I would think carefully about what would make me happy and gently become someone I would love.
I would always try to understand who I am with fresh eyes. I would remember that what I know is not the whole story, and I would listen with genuine curiosity to the parts of myself I have yet to discover, never taking them for granted.
I would believe that I am a wonderful person. I would admire everything I have built and take pride in the path I have walked.
I would accept myself as I am and treat myself with respect.
Whenever I noticed even the smallest desire to grow, I would be grateful for it. Rather than asking why I am not improving faster or pushing myself impatiently, I would trust that growth unfolds naturally in its own time.
I would never take the promises I make to myself lightly. Instead, I would carefully consider what is truly best for me.
I would tell myself that today’s outfit suits me perfectly and that it looks wonderful on me.
I would say, “That part of you is exactly what makes you so lovable. That’s why I like you.”
I would tell myself that I want to stay by my own side because life is so much more beautiful with me in it.
I would praise myself for choosing healthy food, but when I occasionally devoured ice cream or instant noodles, I would simply smile and think, “You’re adorable.”
I would call myself by my name.
I would recognize the hidden potential within me and sincerely hope that I live a life where I can fully bring it to light.
Even when I felt afraid, I would take a step back and look at myself with calmness and compassion.
No matter how closely I examined my face, I would find only lovable features, and I would want to capture every version of myself in photographs.
Whenever I worried that I might be inadequate or incapable, I would remind myself, “The person I know isn’t like that.” I would look for everything I am doing well and shower myself with encouragement.
When life’s burdens made me neglect the little things—keeping the house tidy, eating properly, or caring for others—I wouldn’t scold myself. Instead, I would prepare myself a comforting meal so that, at the very least, I could eat well.
If I struggled to understand something, I would never become frustrated with myself or give up. I would patiently explain it to myself again and again, in a way I could truly understand, until it finally made sense.
Even if I wore glasses, dressed in sweatpants, or had messy hair, I would still see the same radiant beauty shining through.
Even at your lowest and most fragile moments, I would stand firmly by your side without conditions. I would be the person who never changes the way they treat you, no matter what.