It’s Not ‘Up Yourself’ to Love Yourself

I can’t tell you how many times I was told as a child, “You’re so up yourself.” And let me tell you, I wasn’t. Not even close. I was shy, self-conscious, and riddled with anxiety. But I loved dressing up, playing with style, and shock horror catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror!

Apparently, that was a crime.

The truth is, those comments weren’t really about me at all. They were about the outdated belief that self-love is the same as arrogance, that confidence is something to be knocked down, and that women, in particular, should dim their light to make others comfortable.

Well, I call that absolutely rubbish.
 
Self-Love Isn’t Selfish - It’s Essential
Somewhere along the way, I realised that loving myself wasn’t a bad thing. In fact, it was the very thing that would change my life. Because when you love yourself, you show up differently. You stand taller, make better choices, and stop seeking validation from people who don’t have your best interests at heart. And you know what? That energy is contagious. It seeps into your relationships, your career, and your ability to handle life’s curveballs.

Self-love isn’t about thinking you’re better than anyone else. It has nothing to do with comparison. It’s about knowing you’re enough, just as you are.
 
Breaking Free from the ‘Up Yourself’ Label
Over the years, I’ve been told I’m “up myself” for the most ridiculous reasons:

• Feeling proud of my achievements.
• Owning my confidence.
• Loving my personal style.
• Simply looking at myself in the mirror without criticism.

Imagine that! The simple act of existing with self-acceptance was enough to ruffle feathers.
But guess what? When people aren’t comfortable with their own self-worth, they often project their discomfort onto others. Their reaction isn’t about you; it’s about them.
​
Let’s Rewrite the Narrative
It’s time to stop apologising for loving who we are. Self-love isn’t arrogance. It’s not vanity. It’s the foundation of our well-being.

When you embrace self-love, you:
✨ Build resilience and confidence.
✨ Set healthier boundaries.
✨ Attract relationships that support and uplift you.
✨ Improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
And perhaps most importantly, you stop wasting energy trying to make yourself smaller for the comfort of others.

A Final Thought
Loving yourself isn’t “up yourself” it’s a radical act of self-care in a world that profits from your insecurity. So stand tall. Celebrate yourself. Take up space. And if anyone tries to shame you for it? Let them sit with their own discomfort. You’ve got better things to do like living your life with joy and confidence.

Much Love,
Gerlinda xx

P.S
Loving yourself isn’t “up yourself”, it’s the key to living with confidence, joy, and authenticity. If you're ready to embrace self-love on a deeper level, join me for a Sacred Self-Love Workshop in Cairns on Sunday, 27th April, the perfect post-Valentine’s Day gift to yourself. 💖✨ And to get started right away, download my Self-Love Starter Kit, your free guide to cultivating self-compassion and confidence today!