The perspective of thanatology offers a great opportunity to assess the quality of life we give ourselves and to realize to what extent we possess Self-Love. Are you curious about it? 
 
By: Lety Soto 
 
When we talk about Self-Love, we refer to the degree of acceptance, respect, and consideration we feel towards ourselves. It's a concept very similar to self-esteem, which is essential for the emotional and psychological well-being of humans. 
 
One of the best things that can happen to us is to understand Self-Love as the result of various processes of introspection and deep acceptance. This arises from getting to know and love oneself without the need to change our own nature to please others. 
 
In a world where appearance seems more important than a person's true essence, we end up feeling inadequate due to perfection portrayed in magazine bodies and seemingly problem-free lives showcased on social media. Often without even realizing it, we enter a game where we feel like losers when we compare ourselves, and we become unhappy because our lives don't mirror what we see on our mobile screens. 
 
Now more than ever, we face a significant challenge. In this superficial world, it's crucial to maintain our self-esteem and Self-Love to avoid falling into the traps of a life devoid of our values. In our moments of solitude, where no one can see us, we must care for our internal dialogue by asking ourselves the following questions: What do I think of myself? How do I talk to myself? Do I like what I see in the mirror? How do I allow others to treat me? How much Self-Love or lack of Self-Love do I accept from the people around me? How do I react to the actions of others? 
 
In my professional training and personal experience, I've come to realize that the only thing I have control over in life is my thoughts. The quality of my thoughts determines the quality of my days. The decisions I make every day result in my state of fulfillment or suffering. 
 
Giving yourself a prominent place in life isn't ego; it's Self-Love. From this Self-Love, you can become a better person, and that's what will be projected to those around me. Therefore, if I love myself, I can love others and attract like-minded people who contribute positively in my life. 
 
Let's take a moment to reflect on how much time we dedicate to self-care. It can be helpful to make a list of the things we think, what we read, the music we listen to, the food we prefer, and the relationships we have with people around us, whether they are family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. I'll explain why this analysis is important. 
 
A person who loves themselves shines, is kind, patient, & understanding with the people they encounter every day. Someone who is emotionally well-nourished takes care of their well-being in all aspects of their lives. 
 
Imagine you're responsible for a newborn baby who needs your attention and care 24 hours a day. How would you care for that baby? Think about the person you love most in life and consider what you would be willing to do for them. Now, go and do those things for yourself! 
 
Remember that you deserve all your attention and care. Everything you do or don't do for yourself only affects you, but it has consequences in your surroundings. If you live with Self-Love, the only thing you can spread in this world is Self-Love. Undoubtedly, we will face difficult moments, but if we nurture a strong spirit, everything will be easier. 
 
The phrase "love your neighbor as yourself" invites us to think about how we treat others and realize how much Self-Love we have, as everyone is a reflection of ourselves. Knowing that we are passing through this world, let's aim to leave beautiful footprints. 
 
How to Increase Self-Love? 
- Learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes. 
- Acknowledge and be grateful for all the blessings in your life. 
- Take care of your nutrition. 
- Take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and psychological health. 
- Curate your social circle. 
- Understand that there are things beyond your control. 
- Never stop learning new things. 
- Guard the quality of your thoughts and your inner dialogue. 
- Treat yourself with Self-Love. Give yourself at least one compliment a day. 
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. 
- Be empathetic with yourself. 
- Don't be afraid to express your emotions. 
- Regularly give yourself small gifts. 
- Avoid actions that could disrupt your peace. 
- Practice relaxation techniques and ensure a good night's rest.