Embracing the Art of Self-Love: My Guilty Pleasures & Sacred Me-Time

As a single mom in my 30s, I’ve learned that self-love isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity, Anonymous. With my kids growing older and more distant (I mean, who needs mom when you’re in puberty, right?), I’ve found myself with more ‘me-time’ than I know what to do with. At first, it was daunting - the silence, the emptiness. But then I discovered the art of embracing my guilty pleasures. Yes, you read that right! I’m talking about those activities that bring me unadulterated joy, no matter how ‘uncool’ or ‘selfish’ they may seem to others. For me, that’s binge-watching my favorite TV shows with a glass (or two) of wine, practicing yoga in my coziest lingerie, or indulging in a shopping spree (because, retail therapy is real, honey!).

Now, I know what you’re thinking, Anonymous: ‘Amira, how do you balance self-love with the fear of being alone?’ Well, let me tell you - it’s all about perspective. Instead of viewing my alone time as a negative, I’ve started to see it as an opportunity to reconnect with myself. I mean, think about it: when was the last time you took a long, relaxing bath without any interruptions? Or read a book just for the sake of enjoying it, without feeling guilty for not spending time with others? For me, self-love is about embracing these small moments of bliss and making them a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. And trust me, it’s been a game-changer! My confidence has soared, my patience has increased (especially when dealing with my lovely teenagers), and I feel more at peace with myself than ever before.

So, Anonymous, I want to leave you with a challenge today: take some time to reflect on your own guilty pleasures and sacred me-time activities. What brings you joy? What makes you feel like the best version of yourself? Is it trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, going for a solo hike, or simply taking a nap without any alarms set? Whatever it is, I urge you to embrace it wholeheartedly. Remember, self-love isn’t selfish - it’s essential. And who knows, you might just find that it’s the key to unlocking a happier, more fulfilling you. Now, go ahead and treat yourself to something special today… you deserve it, darling!