Hi everyone,

Whitney Houston knew what she was talking about when she sang “learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” And before you roll your eyes thinking this is another newsletter telling you to book a spa day or buy fancy face cream … it’s not.

Real self-love isn’t about bubble baths and shopping trips (though those are nice too). It’s about something much more fundamental: treating yourself the way you would treat your favorite sister or your most valued client.

Think about it.

When your favorite client needs your time, you make space in your calendar. When your sister needs advice, you listen without judgment. When someone you care about makes a mistake, you offer understanding and a path forward … not harsh criticism.

Now ask yourself: Do you give yourself that same grace?

Most of us are incredibly good at advocating for others. We’ll fight for our clients, support our colleagues, and show up for our friends and family without hesitation. But when it comes to ourselves? We’re often our own harshest critics. We skip lunch because we’re “too busy.” We beat ourselves up over small mistakes. We say yes when we should say no. We work through exhaustion because we think we “should.”

There’s a quote often attributed to Buddha (though we can’t be certain of its origin): “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Eleanor Roosevelt put it another way: “Friendship with oneself is all-important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

Here’s what self-love actually looks like:

It’s setting boundaries with that demanding client – the same boundaries you’d insist a friend set.

It’s speaking to yourself with the kindness you’d show your sister when she’s struggling.

It’s prioritizing your health and rest the way you’d insist someone you love prioritize theirs.

It’s forgiving yourself for not being perfect, just like you’d forgive anyone else.

Parker Palmer captured this beautifully: “Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.”

You deserve the same quality of care, respect, and compassion that you so freely give to others. Not because you’ve earned it through achievement or productivity, but simply because you matter.

As Lucille Ball once said, “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” And she was right – because the most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.

So this week, I’m challenging you: Notice one moment where you’re treating yourself worse than you’d treat someone you care about. And then ask yourself – what would change if I showed myself the same kindness?

You’re worth it.

Laura

P.S. If this message resonates with you, I’d love to hear how you practice self-love in your professional life. Reply and let me know – I read every message.