Let Go of Fear, Embrace Yourself

Today, we’re discussing simple acts of self-love that you can start practicing immediately…

First things first: I want you to know God cares about you loving yourself.
Not in a selfish, “it’s all about me” kind of way — but in the “you are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) kind of way. He delights in you. And He wants you to delight in yourself, too. “There are so many small ways to treat yourself with kindness daily — and it starts with your mindset.

But if you’re anything like many of us, the idea of loving yourself might feel…awkward. Maybe even a little painful. Maybe because of past mistakes, harsh words from others, or that inner critic who acts like it’s their full-time job to bring you down.

I get it. I’ve been there.
But here’s the truth: You are worth loving — starting with how you treat yourself every single day.
And don’t worry, I’m not about to hand you some 53-step complicated ritual. Nope.
Here are 7 simple, doable acts of self-love you can start today (yes, today!) — sprinkled with humor, hope, and a whole lot of heart.

1. Talk to Yourself Like Someone You Love

First, imagine this:
Your best friend calls you, tearful after making a mistake. Would you ever tell her, “Wow, you’re the worst, you’ll never get it right”?
Of course not! You’d probably be kind, reassuring, and maybe even a little sassy: “Girl, one mistake doesn’t erase all the amazing things about you.”

Similarly, it’s time to turn that same compassion inward. When you catch yourself being harsh inside your head, pause and breathe.
Instead of spiraling, ask yourself, Would I talk to someone I love this way?
After that, intentionally say something kinder — even if it feels awkward or slightly cringey at first. (Spoiler: you’ll get used to it, and cheese does make everything better.)

Action Step:
The next time a negative thought pops up, practice flipping the script.
For instance, instead of thinking, “I’m so stupid,” gently remind yourself, “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”

2. Nourish Your Body (Without Overthinking It)

Now, let’s shift gears to your amazing body — the one that carries your spirit, your dreams, and your coffee mugs.
Caring for your body doesn’t mean you need to transform into a kale smoothie influencer overnight. (Although if you want to, please invite me over for taste tests.)

Instead, it’s about sending yourself the daily message: I am worth caring for.
Choosing nourishment is an act of love, not punishment or guilt-tripping.

Action Step:
Today, commit to adding one simple nourishing thing to your plate — no grand gestures required.
Maybe it’s a handful of berries, a few crunchy almonds, or a tall glass of water before your third cup of coffee starts giving you side-eyes.

Example: Set a fun goal like, “I’ll drink a glass of water every time I scroll social media.”
This way, you’ll either stay hydrated or dramatically reduce your screen time. Either outcome? A big win for you!

3. Set One Small Boundary

Next, let’s talk about boundaries — a true act of self-love that sometimes gets a bad rap.
Instead of seeing them as walls, think of boundaries as beautiful fences that protect your peace without cutting you off from the world.
They gently say, “I love you, but I love me too.”

More importantly, setting boundaries doesn’t require a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation explaining your every move.
A small step is powerful enough to shift the way you honor yourself.

Action Step:
Pick just one small place today where you can draw a loving line.
Perhaps you decline a last-minute invite that would leave you exhausted, or you decide your phone goes into “Do Not Disturb” mode after 9 p.m. — no guilt trips allowed.

Example: You can say, “I’m not available tonight, but thank you for thinking of me!”
Short. Sweet. Respectful. (No extra performance necessary.)

4. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Now that we’ve addressed boundaries, let’s move on to something equally essential but often overlooked: rest.
Believe it or not, productivity does not define your worth, not even close.

Even Jesus, who had the most significant mission ever, made time to rest.
If the Son of God could pause to breathe, friend, you absolutely have permission too.

Action Step:
Today, schedule a mini-rest moment as if it were an unmissable appointment.
Whether it’s sitting on your porch, doodling, praying, or just zoning out while contemplating life’s biggest mysteries (like where missing socks go), make it intentional.

Example: Block off “Me Time” on your calendar.
Treat it with the same level of importance you’d give a big meeting — because your soul is worth it.

5. Celebrate Tiny Wins

Moving right along, let’s celebrate something we often overlook: the small victories.
Most of us wait to throw a party until we’ve hit the significant milestones — the promotion, the graduation, the marathon finish line.

However, real growth is built on tiny, faithful steps.
Those small moments matter more than we realize.

Instead of brushing off little accomplishments, why not celebrate them with joy?

Action Step:
Today, make it a point to recognize one win, no matter how small it may seem.
Maybe you finally sent that scary email. Perhaps you chose a salad over fries. (And if you didn’t, hey, you still made a choice.)

Example: Start a “Victory Jar.” Drop a sticky note with your daily win in it. At the end of the month, read them all — instant mood boost. Click here and download my Victory Jar printable.

6. Speak God’s Promises Over Yourself

Now that we’ve celebrated your wins, let’s focus on something even stronger than your feelings: God’s promises.
Feelings are real, but they aren’t always reliable.
On the days when self-doubt shouts the loudest, truth needs to speak even louder.

Thankfully, God’s Word offers you unshakable truth about who you are.
When you align your inner voice with His voice, everything starts to change.

Action Step:
Today, choose one promise from Scripture and boldly speak it over yourself.
Say it in the car, whisper it at your desk, or shout it while making pancakes — however you do it, let it sink in.

Example:
“I am God’s masterpiece.” — Ephesians 2:10
Repeat it every time self-doubt taps you on the shoulder. Learning how to love yourself God’s way means believing what He says about your worth, not what the world says.

7. Do One Thing Just Because It Brings You Joy

Finally, let’s wrap up with one of the sweetest acts of self-love: pure joy.
You weren’t created to grind through life — you were made to laugh, dance, build, and celebrate.

Instead of viewing joy as something you have to “earn,” start seeing it as daily spiritual nourishment.
God wired your heart for delight, and honoring that is part of honoring Him.

Action Step:
Give yourself permission today to do one thing just because it makes you smile.
No justification needed. No productivity spreadsheet required.

Example: Turn up your favorite old-school song and host a solo dance party in your kitchen.
Walk barefoot in the grass.
Bake cookies and eat one (or three) straight from the oven.
Joy doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate — it just has to be real.

Here’s the Beautiful Truth

Friend, self-love is not selfish.
It’s not about vanity or perfection — it’s about honoring the masterpiece God created when He made you.
Every small act of kindness you show yourself, every tiny boundary you set, every whispered prayer of truth over your life — it all matters.

Loving yourself God’s way doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t require a grand transformation by tomorrow afternoon.
It’s a journey made up of simple, sacred steps — the kind you’re already brave enough to start today.

You are not too broken, not too late, and definitely not disqualified.
You are loved, seen, cherished, and fully invited to live like it.

So celebrate the tiny wins.
Speak truth louder than fear.
Choose joy even on ordinary Tuesdays.
And remember: God delights in you exactly as you are — and He’s also cheering for the beautiful growth He planted inside you.

You’re not walking this alone.
I’m here, pom-poms in hand, rooting for you every single step of the way.

5 Books on Amazon: Keep Growing Your Self-Love Walk

If you’re ready to keep building that strong, beautiful love for yourself, here are 5 incredible books to add to your journey:

1. “You Are Loved: Embracing the Everlasting Love God Has for You” by Sally Clarkson
2. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
3. “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” by Lysa TerKeurst
4. “Loveable: Embracing What Is Truest About You” by Kelly Flanagan
5. “Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes: 31 Truths About God’s Love for You” by June Hunt

Pick one (or two!) to cozy up with — and let truth pour into your heart a little more each day.

Want even more encouragement, practical tips, and faith-rooted support?
If you’re ready for even more faith-based self-love tips and encouragement, be sure to sign up for my free newsletter: Self Love Journal Journey.
You’ll get one small, meaningful way to love yourself, God’s way, delivered to your inbox each day — because you deserve to walk in the fullness of His love.

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