What Does It Really Mean to Love Yourself

Written by Juliana Quintero

Yoga and meditation Instructor, Singer & Sound healer.

What Does It Really Mean to Love Yourself?

Let’s start with a question: What’s your first thought when someone declares, “I LOVE MYSELF”? Does it make you uncomfortable?

In our society, there’s a strange fear of being labelled as narcissistic just for taking care of ourselves. We’re often glorified for our endless hustle and self-sacrifice. You're praised if you overwork, overgive, overdo, say yes to everything, and always tackle the hardest tasks. But the second we dare to set boundaries, take a breather, or do something just for the pure joy of it, we’re suddenly labelled selfish or lazy.

Let’s be honest, society has a sneaky way of making us feel guilty for simply enjoying life. I’ve been there, battling feelings of guilt for spending time on activities that aren’t “productive” in the traditional sense—like reading, singing, going for a walk with a friend, or just chilling out.

But here’s what I’ve learned: loving yourself is about embracing those simple pleasures and moments of joy. It’s about giving yourself permission to prioritise your well-being, whether that means spending quality time with loved ones, taking a stroll in nature, or indulging in a little self-care pampering session.

Understanding Self-Love

Self-love is about creating space for the things that make your heart light. As I often tell my students and clients: YOU CANNOT GIVE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE. You can’t give from an empty cup. When you put yourself first, you’ll become more authentic and true to yourself. You'll start doing the things you really want to do, learn to say no, and focus your energy and attention on what you truly desire.

I love this analogy: when you are on a plane and the flight attendant gives the instruction on what to do in case of an emergency—if the oxygen masks come out, you first put yours on before helping the person next to you. What would happen if you worry about the other person first? You’ll probably run out of oxygen, and so will they.

Wanna be a better mom and give more to your kids? Work on yourself and give yourself love first. Your kids will feel your energy when you are vibrating high, and they will also feel when you are self-sacrificing. Wanna be a better partner? Give yourself the things you wish to receive from a partner. This applies to everything in life. Once you work on yourself, and work on loving yourself, your cup will become so full that giving to others will be simply second nature, and you won’t be burnt out, drained, and tired all the time.

When I started loving myself, I became more me, more authentic. I learned to say no and to say yes to things I’d forgotten I loved. My relationships improved so much, and I started enjoying life and living in a state of gratitude and abundance.

Practical Ways to Practice Self-Love

1. Set Boundaries: This is a big one!

   - Learn to say no without guilt. Your time and energy are precious, and it's okay to protect them.

   - Prioritize your needs and make sure you’re not overcommitting yourself.

2. Embrace Joyful Activities: I know we are all busy, but can you spare 1 hour of your week just for you?

   - Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, going to the beach, painting, dancing, or going on a retreat by yourself.

   - Don’t feel guilty for spending time on things that aren’t traditionally productive. Joy is productive for your soul.

3. Practice Mindfulness: This is one of the most beautiful gifts you can give to yourself—stillness and silence, time just with yourself.

   - Take a few moments each day to be present. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly, allow yourself to just be.

   - Mindfulness helps you reconnect with yourself and appreciate the present moment.

4. Nourish Your Body: Your body is your home, your vehicle that allows you to live this human experience, take care of it.

   - Treat your body with love by eating nourishing foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.

   - Engage in physical activities that you enjoy. For me, yoga is a well-rounded and complete practice that gives your body mobility, flexibility, and strength, but feel free to try different ones that resonate with you.

5. Pamper Yourself: When was the last time you had a massage or a little pampering session?

   - Take time for self-care routines, whether it’s a long bath, a skincare ritual, or a relaxing hobby.

   - Allow yourself to indulge in these moments without feeling selfish. YOU DESERVE IT!

6. Seek Support:

   - Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

   - Don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist or coach if you need guidance on your self-love journey.

7. Gratitude: The happiest people are the ones who live from gratitude.

   - Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the good things in your life.

Remember, self-love isn’t about being perfect or having it all together or repeating “I love myself” in front of the mirror without feeling it. Self-love is about honouring yourself, embracing what you like, and permitting yourself to be you. Embrace your flaws and celebrate your uniqueness. It’s about being unapologetically you.

Loving yourself is a bold act in a world that often tells us we always need to be overdoing, overgiving, always being productive and self-sacrificing. But here’s the truth: you are not a robot, you are not in this world just to be doing, you are here TO BE, to enjoy, to love. So go ahead, take that breather, rest up, honour your body, set those boundaries, and indulge in the things that make your heart sing. You deserve it.

Here is a link if you feel like moving you body today: 35 Minute Vinyasa Flow | Fluid and Fun for All Levels

If you enjoy this article, you can join my Newletter: Self love Weekly: Self-love Weekly 

Juliana Quintero
Yoga and meditation Instructor, Singer & Sound healer.

Hi, I'm Juliana

Founder of Halfmoon Yoga.

There's a distinct “before and after yoga moment” when I think about my life.

I grew up in Medellín, Colombia, I've always had an adventurous spirit and a longing for freedom. At 20, I travelled to Australia to learn English but stayed for over a decade. I immersed myself in my passion for singing and performing in different places, bars, markets and local venues on weekends. Through diverse job experiences, I gathered invaluable lessons in resilience, humility, and integrity.

How did yoga find me?

After finishing university in 2018, I felt a little “lost” regarding my purpose, so I went on a gap year to find myself. Instead, yoga found me (That’s what they say!). It was in a yoga class back home in Medellín where I first encountered “Ahimsa”, the concept of non-violence to oneself and others. That moment sparked something within me and keeps drawing me into my mat every day since. 

Upon returning to Australia in 2020, I pursued my first yoga teacher training. Despite the chaos of the year, teaching yoga felt natural to me. I taught multiple classes each week in various studios, constantly expanding my knowledge. It felt like I had finally found the freedom I had been seeking, and I could always tap into that feeling during my yoga practice and teaching.

Yet, life isn't always smooth sailing… Going through a tough breakup threw me into anxiety and mild depression for the first time.

In those dark moments, yoga became my refuge, grounding me in awareness and prompting me to seek help through therapy, mentorship, and expressing myself through music.

In 2022, left Australia and embarked on a new trip, deepening my teaching skills in India. I completed another 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training and gained certification in sound healing. Since then, I've been hosting events, retreats, and blending music, yoga, and sound healing to offer unique experiences for my students.

Now, in Sardinia, Italy, I've found purpose in nurturing a global community through online platforms. It's been five transformative years since that life-changing yoga class, and it feels like I've lived multiple lifetimes. I am still grateful every day for all the self-knowledge, consciousness and love that this practice has brought into my life.

My purpose is to share with you the tools for a deep, truthful connection with yourself through yoga, cultivating self-love, awareness, and consciousness in your life.

My yoga studies…

200 Hrs RYS Power Yoga Teacher Training
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2020

30 hrs- Advanced Training on Advanced Asana: Peak Postures
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2020

200 Hrs RYS Power Yoga Teacher Training as an Assistant
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2021

30 hrs- Transforming Belief Systems
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2021

60 hrs - Yin Yoga and Mindfulness
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2021

60 hrs - Advanced Training on Yoga for Mental Health
Flex Hot Yoga (Brisbane, Australia) – 2021

300hr - Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Buddha Yoga Peeth, Rishikesh, India – 2022

85 Hrs- Prenatal Yoga – Mother’s Wellness
Rishikesh, India – 2022

30 hrs- Sound Healing Certification
Rama Space, Rishikesh, India - 2022