Self-love is a wonderful concept & a worthy goal to have and yes, for women, it& #39;s long overdue.

However, as someone who& #39;s struggled with her body image & consequent sense of worth for almost 15 years, I feel that we should normalize self-like.

I& #39;m not trying to downplay self-love AT ALL, but as anyone knows, love of ANY sort doesn& #39;t generally happen overnight. Many people sing the praises of self-love but often gloss over the weeks, months, years of just being ok with themselves that it took to get to get there.

And that& #39;s ok because nobody is obligated to share their story with everyone BUT I feel like, for many girls, it can be super overwhelming to be stuck in a body that you hate and be surrounded by confident, "happy" people who, with the best intentions, push for loving yourself.

Love isn& #39;t a switch that you can flip and if we take long periods of time to love our best friends & significant others, it& #39;s not hard to imagine it taking YEARS to love yourself--your own worst critic, your internal monologue, your damaging thoughts, your unchangeable shapes.

Again, for those who can say that they& #39;ve reached a point of loving themselves: that is absolutely AMAZING and I& #39;m so happy for you. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤" title="Rotes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Rotes Herz">

But for those who can& #39;t say that: it& #39;s ok. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤" title="Rotes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Rotes Herz"> Love is a process. It& #39;s a commitment. It& #39;s not to be taken lightly & shouldn& #39;t be rushed.

If all you can do with your body/self right now is think of a reason or two why you& #39;re not worthless, that& #39;s valid.

If you looked in the mirror today and didn& #39;t get angry with your shape...valid.

If you forgave yourself...valid.

It& #39;s a step, no matter the size. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💕" title="Zwei Herzen" aria-label="Emoji: Zwei Herzen">

Every relationship with someone starts with taking the first step to say hello. Who knows what it& #39;ll grow to become, and when? But no one goes into a [healthy] relationship expecting to fall in love within minutes or even days.

The same goes for your relationship with YOU.

Maybe no one will ever read this thread (it& #39;s pretty long & I& #39;m out of practice with words), but if you happen to stumble to this point, just know that liking yourself is just as valid & important as loving yourself. You will get there. You have a whole lifetime. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz">