In the therapeutic world, a common theme that is often processed is the notion of loving yourself. This is an easy concept to understand, but a very difficult one to master. To understand this concept more, please refer to the article “Selfish Love.”

Everyone says we should do it. But why? What is this self “lovey- dovey” stuff good for?

These 10 reasons are as good as any.

1. Become aware of who you truly are.

When you learn to love yourself, you have a greater understanding of your own identity and personality. You will become aware of your strengths and weaknesses. In this, you will have great opportunities to evolve and grow. You will be honest with yourself, but yet understanding of your flaws. It is okay that you are not the best at everything. But yet you will give yourself the opportunity to learn and change these flaws into gifts. You then are able to solidify your identity giving a greater sense of peace.

2. Have more self respect and confidence.

By knowing your identity, you will know your strengths. You are working on your weaknesses. But in loving yourself, you will know that you are a beautiful, wonderful person. With this knowledge, you can walk with your head high and with confidence. Yes, you have your flaws. But so do most… if not everyone. You will know that having weaknesses is no reason to minimize your beauty. By loving yourself, you know that you are great as is, and are on the path to evolved perfection.

3. Become more attractive.

As you are more confident and self aware, you will create an energy that many will be attracted to. Who isn’t drawn to a self assured, confident, and humble person? In loving yourself, you will create an energy that beckons others to love you as well. You know that you are beautiful and great, and others will both feel and see this. Your energy will be light and clear. People will be drawn to this. Others want to be around joy, fun and love.

4. Have more fun.

Having fun is an integral part of loving yourself. You know you will need to enjoy life and create a balance between work and pleasure. Masters of self love are able to combine their work with their pleasure, thus enjoy most of their days in a joyous, but productive state. You will know that sometimes you do need and deserve this vacation, massage or newest toy. You will understand that in playing, you rejuvenate your inner child and create a state of happiness.

5. Become more physically fit and healthy.

Loving yourself means keeping your body a healthy temple. You will say no to whatever foods that do not serve your best interest. You will drink water rather than sodas. You will eat fruits rather than sugary candies. Walking and working out will become part of your routine, knowing that physical exercise is good for your mind, body, and soul. Knowing that loving yourself doesn’t mean smoking from that cigarette, and you will learn to let go of these kinds of vices. Smarter choices will be made. A great night of sleep and rest will be better than a raging party filled with alcohol and drugs.

6. Sleep better.

It’s true. You will sleep better. Often times, falling or staying asleep is often difficult for people. Much of this is caused by conscious and subconscious thoughts that are bouncing around in your mind as you are trying to sleep for the night. These thoughts are often disruptive in the natural sleeping patterns. When loving yourself, you will come to peace with many of your personal issues. You will work at them and become more aware of the things you have control over. And when it is time to rest, it will be much easier to let go of these thoughts and clear your mind.

7. Relieve Stress and become more patient with yourself and your environment.

Loving yourself also means not allowing frustrations to arise and become stored into your psyche. You will have a greater understanding of the things you can control and things you cannot. You will not be willing to invest energy and emotions to things you cannot control. Why stress? At best you know you can only control yourself. And in loving yourself, you will know that this process takes time and you are more accepting of this journey. Patience will become a great virtue that you will earn.

8. Become immune to the chaotic world around you.

With your newfound patience and a more solidified sense of self, you will become more immune to the external factors in your life. There is no need to fret over the silliest of circumstances. Who cares about what someone said or did? You have your own work that needs to be done. And in living a happy loving life, you will see things for what their truly are without judgment. This does not mean you won’t be aware of the chaos in the world. You will just be able to see things in a proper perspective that caters to a self loving life.

9. Live a more stable emotional life.

Remember those up and down emotional roller coasters? Well say goodbye to them. No more crazy, hectic mood swings. Of course you won’t always be in this annoyingly happy place. However you will see and feel things in proper perspective. You will make strong choices to do what is right for your soul. Why live in the dark depression? You will easily make the choice to mourn and then find balance in celebrating. No need to get angry at your annoying coworker. You will just flow with the natural rhythm’s of life.

10. Find a greater purpose.

You will evolve. You will constantly grow and learn. In this process, you will start to find a higher purpose. You will begin to ask the questions like… Why am I here? What am I meant to do? And as you answer questions such as these, you will want to pursue something bigger than you. Yes, you will see the constant pain, fear and darkness around. But now in loving yourself, you will start to master tools and techniques to counteract these forces in your life. After seeing a starving child, you will now be both strong and capable enough to lend love to others without sacrificing your own love. You will know how much of your energy is appropriate to lend to others when they are in need.

These are just some reasons. There are countless others to why loving yourself is a great thing. Your skin will become clearer. Your smile will be more true. Food will taste better in your newfound appreciation for life.

What are your reasons to love yourself?