I have often felt like talking about self love can feel frustrating and confusion. What does loving oneself actually mean and look like? 

Early in my twenties, I think I thought self love looked and felt like self discipline. I went to yoga and meditated almost every day, I was strict with myself on what and when I would eat, I went to bed early and woke up early. 

From the outside, it looked like I deeply loved myself through how I cared for myself but that it not the way it felt. I felt trapped, depressed, and disconnected. My routine wasn't bringing me joy or love, it brought short term safety. And that bubble would burst if I did anything outside of that routine where I would then be so cruel with myself. 

Self love may show up as an act, but now I experience it as a felt sense. It feels like a warmth, a closeness, and an appreciation of my body for all that it does and navigates every day.

In this week's episode, I chat with Lulu Essey, Speaker, Mindset Advisor, and host of The Lulu Essey Podcast , about: 

• Understanding the difference between self love and self care
• The practice of staying with yourself in all emotions, sensations, and reactions
• Navigating discomfort
• The role of safety in self love
• The courage to face inner struggles and the importance of asking for support

You can also read the transcript to this week’s episode ​here​: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/what-self-love-really-is-and-how-to-embody-it-every-day

Hope you enjoy this week's episode and talk to you more soon! 

With Compassion and Empathy, 

Stephanie Mara Fox

Keep in touch with Lulu: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@luluessey
Website: https://www.luluessey.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucille-marie-essey/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulu.essey/

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Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou...