12 Self-Love Quotes That Will Remind You of Your Inherent Goodness and Worth

Getting stuck on the negative isn’t hard: Criticism, self-doubt, and insecurity are a part of the human condition. This, alongside the pressures imposed by social media and our modern lives, can contribute to a self-love deficit. That’s why it’s crucial to remind ourselves that we are worthy of love. While loving our true selves can be a difficult concept to not only grasp, but to maintain, it's vital to leading a healthy and fulfilling life. After all, neglecting self-care can have serious consequences for our mental health, our relationships, and our overall well-being. As someone who has struggled with self-love and self-respect, I am always conscious of how I talk to and celebrate (or deride) myself. It wasn’t that long ago that I was stuck in a loop of constantly comparing myself to others. Unhappy with my life, I picked up books about self-confidence and positive affirmations. I also took comfort in self-love quotes that reminded me to embrace my best self.

Little by little, I began practicing gratitude, cultivating positive thoughts, and accepting my inherent worth. Here are a few of the empowering statements and inspirational quotes I’ve recently looked to when seeking self-love and acceptance. I hope they make you feel as wonderful as you are.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous American essayist, lecturer, and poet, encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and accept our worthiness. This quote serves as a powerful reminder that being true to ourselves and our values is essential in building confidence, self-esteem, and self-love. When you embrace your best self, you embark on the beginning of a life-long romance with the real you.

Beyonce

"I'm a grown woman. I can do whatever I want."

Affectionately known as “Queen Bey,” Beyonce is one of history's most popular recording artists. Naturally, she uses her music to inspire and empower women. This powerful quote speaks to the importance of understanding that we are responsible for our life and destiny. We should never let anyone tell us what we can or cannot do, and this is a reminder always to celebrate our independence.

Mahatma Gandhi

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi believed in the power of self-love and self-improvement. This quote reminds us that in order to bring about positive change in the world, we must first start by loving and accepting ourselves. When we practice self-love, we inspire others to do the same, and this collective acceptance can lead to more compassion and understanding in society.

Lucille Ball

"Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line."

Lucille Ball, an American actress, comedian, and producer, is the creator of this wonderful saying. This statement is an important reminder that we must learn to love ourselves before expecting love from others. When we are able to accept our flaws and shortcomings without judgment, it opens the door to true compassion and understanding.

Maya Angelou

"I don't trust people who don't love themselves and tell me, 'I love you.' There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt."

Maya Angelou, renowned poet, singer, and civil rights activist, strongly advocated for self-love and personal empowerment. This quote reminds us that, to love others truly, we must first learn to love ourselves. Self-love is the foundation for all other love and crucial to our overall happiness and well-being.

Buddha

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."

The teachings of Buddhism emphasize the importance of compassion and self-awareness. This self-love quote reminds us that showing kindness to ourselves is essential for our emotional and spiritual well-being. By practicing self-compassion and acceptance, we can begin to cultivate a more balanced and harmonious state of mind.

Brene Brown

"Owning our story can be hard — but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it."

Brene Brown, an American professor and author, encourages us to practice self-compassion and courage. This quote serves as a reminder that self-love is essential in order to live a meaningful and fulfilled life. By embracing our unique story and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, we can create space for healing, growth, and transformation.

Mark Twain

"The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself."

Celebrated American writer and humorist Mark Twain had a unique perspective on self-love and confidence. This quote reminds us that in order to truly connect with others and live a fulfilling life, we must first know ourselves. Embracing self-love and confidence allows us to form genuine relationships and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Stephen Richards

"When you do what you fear most, you can do anything."

Stephen Richards, a self-help author, encourages us to take charge of our lives and practice self-love. This quote reminds us that self-love and confidence are built by facing our fears and proving to ourselves that we can overcome challenges. By confronting our fears, we demonstrate our strength and resilience, ultimately boosting our self-love and self-worth.

Rupi Kaur

"I was born into this family with so much potential, but I had to learn how to love myself, or else all that potential meant nothing."

Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet and author of the best-selling book Milk and Honey, reminds us to embrace our imperfections. This quote is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to reach our fullest potential, but only when we learn to love ourselves unconditionally. Self-love is a journey that starts with recognizing and celebrating our unique strengths and weaknesses.

Oprah Winfrey

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change [her] future by merely changing [her] attitude."

Oprah Winfrey, an American media executive, actress, and philanthropist, believes self-love is essential. This quote reminds us that our thoughts and attitudes shape our lives. By practicing self-love and embracing positive thinking, we can create a life of fulfillment and joy.

Dr. Seuss

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You."

The beloved children's author and illustrator Dr. Seuss often touches on the importance of self-love in his stories. This quote speaks to the power of accepting ourselves for who we are and recognizing that no one can be us better than we can. Loving ourselves for who we are is a step towards building self-confidence, and this quote serves as a reminder to embrace our own special qualities.

Self-Love Quotes To Live By

These self-love quotes remind us that confidence and personal empowerment are essential to our happiness and well-being. By embracing your uniqueness, facing your fears, and cultivating self-compassion, you create a more fulfilling and satisfying life — and in so doing, you begin to make these positive quotes a reality, and turn your own life into a work of art. Recall these words of wisdom as you continue your journey towards self-love and self-acceptance, and share them with others to inspire a more compassionate and loving world around you.