Discuss with Depression - Loving Yourself with @WarmLightXO!

hello hello everyone!

as our theme of loving yourself this month, i have interviewed our lovely room supporter @WarmLightXO to see what they have to say about loving yourself! i'm super excited to be sharing this interview with you and hope you all enjoy it as much as i did :)

Interviewer: EmmaE

Interviewee: WarmLightXO

Question 1: What does self-love mean to you? What does it look and feel like?

For me, self love is about grace. It’s about accepting that I’m human and make mistakes, and owning up to them when they happen, and knowing that I’m good enough anyway. Self love looks like asking myself what I need, and feels safe because I know there is a consistent person in my life looking out for me- me.

Question 2: Do you think acceptance and gratitude are important factors of self love? Why or why not?

Definitely! Acceptance is important because by accepting myself and not trying to change everything, I show love in a way that’s easier to understand than saying “I love myself,” but then trying to change. I want my actions to match my words, just like in a relationship with anyone else! Gratitude is a simpler answer, we know that gratitude great for our health, and by taking care of our health we show ourselves love <3

Question 3: What might one need to do to be more at peace and accepting of themselves?

A common pitfall I see people fall into is being harsh with themselves trying to learn self love. A lot of us learn early in life to bully ourselves into achieving our goals, and will apply that same logic to learn self love. To be more at peace and accepting of yourself, take your time and try to let yourself make those mistakes without judgment. You learned your current habits over time, and it will take time to change them.

Question 4: What do you already value about yourself? What are some things others can value about themselves?

I love this question and the use of the word “value,” because regardless of our automatic emotional reaction, we can still see that something has worth. I value my curiosity. I love that it enables me to ask questions and learn new things. I value the hopefulness I carry, because it enables me to know there is hope even when I can’t see it. And I value my love, because I truly love you all and that’s what makes everything worth it <3 In terms of things others can value about themselves, it’s easy! My fellow listeners- you have something in you that wants to reach out and support humankind, and that’s beautiful. My dear members- you have the same instinct, and it’s pointed towards yourself, and that’s beautiful.

Question 5: What do you think are other important factors needed to love yourself?

The willingness to try. It takes time to rewire your brain, that’s normal, and it’s okay. Even when you can’t see any progress, it’s still happening. Self love is a lifelong journey- and that’s a good thing.

Question 6: What do you do to take care of and show yourself love?

This is going to be different from person to person, but for me, regular moments of mindfulness to check in with my body, regular volunteering to help me get out of my own head, weekly therapy, tracking my moods, and spending time outside with the people I love.

Question 7: What are some tips you have for anyone starting their self-love journey?

My biggest tip is to surround yourself with people on the same journey. Here on 7Cups, in your physical life, in podcasts and books. Learn what you can from people experiencing the same things you are. I highly highly recommend the Mary’s Cup of Tea Podcast to anyone who wants a buddy while they begin to explore self love. The other tip I have I’ll reiterate from earlier in the interview: take your time. It’s not a race. It’s okay to go slow. Everything is going to be okay.