Summary:

What does self-love really mean? In this episode of Selves Unedited, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart and Dr. Danielle Colborn explore the deep and often misunderstood concept of self-love—beyond affirmations, self-care routines, and the pressure to always feel good about yourself. They discuss how self-love is rooted in self-acceptance, grace, and authenticity, and why it’s a lifelong process, not a destination.

If you’ve ever felt like you need to "fix" yourself to be worthy of love, or if you've struggled with self-criticism and perfectionism, this conversation is for you.

Notable Moments from the Episode:

💡 “Self-love isn’t about reaching a perfect state—it’s about embracing yourself as you are.”

💡 “We would never tell a friend, ‘I’ll love you more if you change.’ Why do we do that to ourselves?”

💡 “Rest isn’t something you earn after being productive. It’s something you deserve because you’re human.”

Key Topics Covered:

✅ The difference between self-love and self-care – and why both matter

✅ Why self-love isn’t about feeling great all the time – but about self-acceptance

✅ The myth that "you must love yourself before others can love you"

✅ How societal pressures & perfectionism get in the way of self-love

✅ The role of authenticity and setting boundaries in loving yourself

✅ Self-love in relationships: treating ourselves with the same kindness we show others

✅ The connection between self-love, rest, and emotional well-being

Resources & Links:

📖 Resources by Dr. Kristin Neff on self-compassion

🎧 Previous episode on self-care: What Does Taking Care of Yourself in 2025 Really Mean?

Connect with Us:

🔗 Follow us or suggest a topic:

LinkedIn: Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart & Dr. Danielle Colborn

Substack: Dr. Maria-Christina

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