How Can I Love Myself When I Don’t Really like Myself?

I have to ask you something though.

Inside every single one of us, there’s a conversation happening 24/7. It’s the soundtrack to our lives, lovely, and guess what? You’re the DJ. You get to lead the sassy conversations, you get to decide where to go on this epic adventure, and you ultimately get to win every single fight.

But I have to ask you something though. What team are you on, and why is there even a war to attend in the first place? The way you talk to yourself matters so much, sweet pea, because this is the narration for your life’s movie. Are you cheering for the leading lady or are you heckling her from the sidelines?

Whose Team Are You Really On, Friend?

Are you your biggest fan, or are you the one keeping her playing small, judging every move, and just waiting for her to fail? Seriously, ask yourself.

Are you picking her beautiful body to pieces, or are you seeing her miraculous rig for all it can do? You get to decide what story you attach to every single situation in your life. Your voice is so powerful, ladies.

Let’s Rewrite That Negative Story

So what if your jeans don’t fit amazingly today? That only means that your jeans are too tight, it doesn’t mean that you are unlovable, undesirable or worthless. Not for a second.

So what if your skin has some blemishes today? That doesn’t mean he is going to think you’re a beasty and not worth loving, it only means that you have a little extra hormone running through your system at present. Let’s decide to think of them as youth spots. Problem solved.

And so what if you stumble over your words at a big presentation you had to do. It doesn’t make you incompetent, it means you are human and you just got a little tongue-tied, and thats okay. It happens to all of us!

It’s all about perspective and the conversation that you choose to have with yourself. Don’t give the situations in your life a back-story. See them as neutral, until you are ready to see them as awesome. Life is far too short to spend another day at war with yourself, my lovely. Have you ever reframed a negative thought? Share how you did it in the comments below, your story could be a game-changer for another woman!

Okay, So Where Do We Go From Here?

This negative mindset is like an old haggard mixed tape filled with the worst of the 90’s remix, so it’s time to tape over it, dont you think?

Start where you are, use what you have & get it happening. It’s a one step at a time, one thought at a time cha-cha for the rest of your days. It’s a decision to start seeing the good stuff. It’s a decision to see yourself and the world through loving eyes, and if you aren’t in full love muffin mode yet, let’s start with acceptance.

Your First Step: Join TEAM YOU

What if today you started to accept yourself for the amazing creation that you are, the beautiful compilation of all things magical and wondrous and decided to get back on TEAM YOU?

Steer the conversation to support you, sweet woman. The world is ready to see you shine again.

Your Questions on Self-Talk, Answered

How can I stop my negative self-talk?

Stopping negative self-talk is a practice, not an overnight fix, lovely! Start by simply noticing when the negative voice pops up. Don’t judge it, just acknowledge it. Then, gently challenge the thought. Ask yourself, ‘Is this 100% true?’ and try to reframe it into something more neutral or kind. It’s about one thought at a time!

Why is it so hard to be kind to myself?

Oh, friend, so many of us struggle with this! Often, our inner critic is a pattern we learned a long time ago, maybe from society, family, or past experiences. It feels ‘normal’ because it’s a habit. Being kind to yourself is like building a new muscle. It takes time, repetition, and a conscious decision to choose a different path. Be patient with yourself.

What is the first step to better self-love?

The very first step is acceptance. Before you can even get to ‘love,’ just try accepting yourself exactly as you are in this moment. Accept the messy parts, the brilliant parts, and everything in between. Instead of fighting with yourself, just allow yourself to be. This creates the space for love to grow.

Live WILD.
Be BRAVE
Live TRUE.

Love, Ivy.
Xoxo


We Want to Hear From You!

Share your story in the comments below – your experience with your inner critic or your journey to self-acceptance might be the exact thing another woman needs to hear today. Let’s support each other in this beautiful community!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stop my negative self-talk?

Stopping negative self-talk is a practice, not an overnight fix, lovely! Start by simply noticing when the negative voice pops up. Don't judge it, just acknowledge it. Then, gently challenge the thought. Ask yourself, 'Is this 100% true?' and try to reframe it into something more neutral or kind. It's about one thought at a time!

Why is it so hard to be kind to myself?

Oh, babe, so many of us struggle with this! Often, our inner critic is a pattern we learned a long time ago, maybe from society, family, or past experiences. It feels 'normal' because it's a habit. Being kind to yourself is like building a new muscle. It takes time, repetition, and a conscious decision to choose a different path. Be patient with yourself.

What is the first step to better self-love?

The very first step is acceptance. Before you can even get to 'love,' just try accepting yourself exactly as you are in this moment. Accept the messy parts, the brilliant parts, and everything in between. Instead of fighting with yourself, just allow yourself to be. This creates the space for love to grow.


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about the author

Ivy Hartwell

Ivy Hartwell is a self-love advocate and transformational writer who believes that the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life. As a former people-pleaser who spent years putting everyone else first, Ivy knows firsthand the power of learning to love yourself unapologetically. Now she helps women ditch the guilt, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without apology. Her writing blends raw honesty with gentle encouragement, creating a safe space for women to explore their shadows and embrace their light.

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