July 19th, 2019

Recently, a friend and I were mulling over the differences between self-love and self-care.  I think there can be so many ways to describe the differences and similarities between the two concepts, and I'd love to hear from you.  

Personally, SELF LOVE for me has underlying notes and resonance of self-respect, self-advocacy, self-awareness, self-confidence, identity, self-worth, self-connection.  The constant will to put in the work to make sure I'm not sliding down a slippery slope.  The consistent check-in to make sure I'm forgiving myself when things are hard, and I make mistakes.  I hope this makes sense.  

SELF CARE is a little different.  It covers things that are more emotional, perhaps subjective: like cleanliness, undertaking holistic practices, eating habits, creating balance so I don't feel like I'm missing out on something (like ice cream!).  It's getting a pedicure, practicing yoga, singing at the top of my lungs when my favorite songs come on the radio.  It's dancing with joy because it feels good.  It's wanting my house to look nice (well, as nice as a construction zone can look, lol).  It's splurging a little to enjoy life - taking my daughter to see a theatre performance, and going with my husband to see live music together.  It's slowing down and taking the time to look around, take in the world.  It's what might bring me joy in the present moment.  

As you can see, there's lots of cross-over for me, but I liken self-love with the inner world, where self-care might address the needs of the outer world.  The outer world's focus for me is finding JOY, and joy feeds my inner world.  I think that's where the two converge.  

Anyhow, these are my thoughts.  I'd love to hear yours.  :)