Because I Love Myself
Originally published September 18, 2025
I made my bed when I woke up this morning because I love when my room is tidy. I washed my face and brushed my teeth this morning because I love when I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I opened the blinds in the living room because I love how bright it is before noon. I washed my dishes this morning because I love when the kitchen is clean. I drank orange juice this morning because I love the idea of drinking coffee in the morning but I don’t like coffee. I made a good, hearty breakfast this morning because I love feeling well nourished. I set my costume out on my bed this morning because I love being prepared. I put on yoga pants this morning because I love feeling like I’m fresh out the studio, even if I’m not. I walked to the community center to write this out this morning because I love how the sun is still visible through the giant windows. I’m quietly sitting on my computer while Brandon sits quietly on his computer across from me because we ran into each other, but also because I love spending time with my friends, even if we’re not really doing anything. I do all of these things because I love myself.
I very well could have gotten out of bed because I had to, brushed my teeth because I had to, done my laundry because I had to, but where’s the fun in that? Where’s the appreciation for the life I have in that?
I could have just used some cleanser and skipped the rest of my routine, out of apathy and laziness- but I love myself, so I used my toner, my moisturizer, my sunscreen.
I could have poured a bowl of cereal that would’ve left me hungry in 2 hours anyway, out of apathy and laziness- but I love myself, so I made eggs, sausage, and waffles.
I could have done my work on my couch that would’ve left me indoors in my pajamas all morning and all afternoon, out of apathy and laziness- but I love myself, so I got dressed and took a stroll.
Because I love myself is something that I’ve been saying a lot the past couple days. It sounds nice in theory, that sort of mindset, but it doesn’t really do anything unless you actually think it and feel it and believe it.
Every mundane part of your routine, every step you make in your day, is a choice whether it feels that way or not. You chose to get out of bed, you chose to go to work, you chose to get in the shower or finally wash the air fryer. No one is forcing you to do anything. Yeah, you need to work to pay bills, but paying bills is still a choice you’re making, going to work is still a choice you’re making. It’s a choice you make to ensure the quality of your life remains intact. You choose to pay your bills so that you don’t go into debt. You choose to go to work so you can pay your bills and then some. You chose the place you work, the place you live.
And if you have to do all of these things in order to thrive and survive and have a good life, then why not be excited about it? Why not love your job and look forward to clocking in? Why not jump out of bed and straighten out your stuffed animals? Why not do a face mask or drink a glass of water before anything else touches your system? So many things in a day that are expected or normal or necessary, so be happy to do them. Do them with love, do them with joy. Expect more from the mundane. Feel more than what’s necessary. Do things because you want to. Do things because you love to. Don’t do anything because you have to, that’s how you turn everything in your life into a chore instead of a privilege. That’s how you make tasks instead of activities, needs instead of desires. No one really wants to pay their bills, but you can feel so fulfilled and stable when you do, instead of feeling drained or mindless.
You do these things because you want to give yourself a good life. You do these things because you love yourself. Do everything you do because you love yourself.
With love, Willianny
