By Zenab Ishtay, Aromatherapist & Cosmetologist
Self-love is often shaped by our families, environment and self-esteem—yet, paradoxically, these very influences can sometimes make it elusive.
True self-love is a practice, a journey of recognising and valuing our physical, emotional and mental qualities, with the ultimate goal of enhancing them for personal growth.
Cultivating self-love
As we cultivate self-love, we naturally develop greater empathy and compassion—not just for ourselves but for those around us.
This journey invites you to pause the cycle of self-judgment and embrace the beauty within. It’s about shifting your focus from seeking external validation to appreciating who you are, just as you are.
When you learn to trust yourself, prioritise your needs and nurture your body, mind and ambitions, you create a foundation of love that extends beyond you—to your family, community, friendships and work.
Setting boundaries
Self-love also means setting healthy boundaries, treating yourself with kindness and understanding that mistakes are part of life’s learning process.
Forgiveness—both of yourself and others—is key. Those who dwell on past missteps often find themselves trapped in resentment, unable to fully open their hearts to love and growth.
By choosing to release guilt and embrace self-acceptance, you unlock the freedom to live with greater joy, purpose and self-worth.
Your journey to self-love starts now. Are you ready to embrace it?
Self-care
At the heart of self-love lies an essential practice: self-care. Nurturing yourself—both physically and mentally—is not a luxury but a necessity.
True self-care encompasses a range of activities, from indulging in facials and body massages to tuning into your body’s signals and addressing physical discomfort.
Regular exercise, cognitive stimulation and engaging in activities that bring you joy—such as playing games, listening to music and exploring new places—are all powerful ways to nourish your well-being.
Self-care is also about expanding your cultural horizons, fostering acceptance of others without judgment and becoming more attuned to your nutritional needs.
It involves replacing harmful habits with healthier ones, creating a lifestyle that supports growth and fulfillment.
Remember, you are an entire world unto yourself—why waste time trying to decipher others when the greatest journey is discovering your own true self?
Aromatherapy and self-love
Aromatherapy is a powerful tool for deepening self-love, helping us reconnect with our inner selves and roots.
You may wonder—how can a simple scent achieve this?
Picture yourself seated in a lush garden, surrounded by nature’s finest gifts—citrus trees laden with fruit, fragrant bushes of sage, rosemary, geranium and basil. Roses, jasmine and lavender bloom nearby, while fig, walnut, blackberry and nectarine trees stretch their branches towards the sky.
Take a moment to imagine the symphony of scents around you. Breathe them in. Let them awaken your senses.
As these aromas envelop you, memories begin to surface. Perhaps they transport you to childhood, stirring emotions long forgotten.
Were you a happy child? Did you feel secure and loved? Or did uncertainty shadow your early years?
Close your eyes and focus on the delicate fragrance of jasmine. Inhale slowly, letting the scent travel through your nostrils, up into your sinuses, filling your forehead with warmth.
Feel it flow down into your lungs, expanding with every breath. As you exhale, imagine releasing the essence of jasmine through your pores, allowing it to soothe and uplift you.
How do you feel? Relaxed, centred and reconnected? This is the magic of aromatherapy—a sensory journey that nurtures self-love, bringing harmony to the mind, body and soul.
It feels good, doesn’t it? That deep sense of relaxation and calm. Essential oils have the remarkable ability to soothe the nervous system, restoring balance to both mind and body.
Self-discovery
As your thoughts become clearer, you gain the space to reflect—what is causing your anxiety, your restlessness? What is holding you back from embracing self-love in a healthy, fulfilling way?
Aromatherapy opens a path to self-discovery. It allows you to gently explore your emotions, uncover hidden tensions and make meaningful changes that nurture your well-being.
Through the power of scent, you reconnect with yourself—your needs, your desires, your essence.
Some of the most powerful essential oils for this practice include:
Geranium – Balances emotions and uplifts the spirit
Rose – Opens the heart to love and compassion
Jasmine – Boosts confidence and inner strength
Myrrh & Frankincense – Grounding, spiritual and deeply healing
Ylang-Ylang – Encourages joy and self-acceptance
Can you picture yourself surrounded by calming aromas, gently uncovering layers of yourself, and embracing the love within?
This is the power of aromatherapy—a beautiful, transformative practice that nurtures the soul and strengthens the bond you have with yourself.
Are you ready to begin your journey?
You can contact Zenab Ishtay at [email protected]
