Today, a wave of deep remorse and sadness washed over me as I reflected on how I had abandoned myself in the past. It’s a feeling that many of us know all too well. We often look outside ourselves for the fulfillment that we crave, convinced that someone or something out there holds the key to our happiness. This belief is especially compelling during times when we feel inadequate or when the fear of abandonment looms large.

For years, I fell into this trap. I neglected my inner world, investing my energy in external validation, approval, and acceptance. But today, I had a powerful realization. I became acutely aware of the strength and immense love that reside within me. I recognized the profound power that I possess, not because of what I have or who I’m with, but simply because of who I am.

Today, I made a promise to myself: I will never abandon myself again. The journey of self-love begins with this vow. It starts with choosing not to turn away from myself, even when faced with the most chaotic and painful feelings. It means staying present, allowing myself to fully experience these emotions, and processing them over time.

This commitment to myself is about taking a deep breath and giving my emotions permission to surface. It’s about being patient and compassionate with myself as I work through the discomfort and the pain. This process is sacred. It’s a journey that requires courage, vulnerability, and a deep commitment to self-compassion.

By embarking on this path, I am reclaiming my joy. I am learning to feel good about myself from within, not because of what others think or say, but because I am enough as I am. To my old self, I say sorry. Sorry for the times I neglected you, for the moments I sought love and validation outside of us. I promise to stay true to myself from now on, to nurture the relationship I have with me. For this is the foundation of true fulfillment, the kind that cannot be shaken by external circumstances.

The journey to self-love is the journey back to oneself. It’s about embracing our deepest fears, our rawest emotions, and the entirety of who we are. And it begins with a simple but powerful act: choosing not to abandon ourselves ever again.