Have you mastered the power of self-love? It’s not easy. Over time, we forget our greatness. We forget that it’s impossible be strong all the time. We forget that we aren’t alone.

Isn’t it about time you regained that sense of self-love?

For those of you struggling, hang in there. We’ve all been there. It’s not easy to let go of that negative perspective you harbor of yourself. Truthfully, it’s downright difficult to regain that sense of self-love you once felt. Like most of us, you have probably been disgraced, embarrassed, or bullied at some point in your life. But in order to love yourself, you have to try to move forward.

You must give yourself the chance you deserve to feel whole again, despite the trauma you have gone through in the past.

True self-love isn’t something you can magically turn on and off. It’s not a feeling you suddenly regain after an accomplishment. It’s not a trophy waiting to be won.

Self-love is a perspective; an emotional connection between both yourself and your soul. And it matters.

Loving yourself is empowering. It’s a reminder that you are worth every bit of effort you put into your life. In the end, self-love is the best gift you can give to yourself. Here’s why.

1) Only you have the power to move yourself forward.

You are in charge of your own mind. While it’s tough to keep going when tragedy darkens your doorstep and you feel lost, you must. Because in the end, you are the only one who can ensure your ambitions actually come true.

Why does self-love matter? Because without it, you can’t move on.

If you neglect your well-being, whatever happens next won’t matter. You might advance, but your discontentment will show. Eventually, someone will notice and ask you, “Are you happy?”

At first, you won’t know what to say for fear of appearing ungrateful for this new change in your life. Then, you’ll begin to really feel for the first time in a long while. And let me tell you—those thoughts won’t be pretty.

For your sake, do yourself a favor. Let self-love remain a constant part of your life. Let that love for yourself guide you. And remember—you’ve got the power to love yourself. Let it shine!

2) If you’re unhappy with yourself, it will show.

A lack of self-love doesn’t only influence you. These underlying feelings of doubt will surface in one of two distinct ways: toxicity towards others (and yourself) or fake happiness. If we’re being honest, both options are terrible.

You might think any form of happiness is a good thing, but it’s not. Why? Because if you allow yourself to be happy only on the outside, you will slowly lose sight of yourself in the process. You will slowly forget what happiness means to you. And most importantly, you’ll forget how to love yourself.

When you’re unhappy with yourself, your emotions will influence your circle. From the waiter at the local diner to your coworkers, everyone you see or talk to will be in harm’s way. Touching someone’s life in this manner does more harm that you think. You influence the lives you touch in spades—why would this be any different?

Ask yourself: Why am I unhappy with myself? What’s causing these feelings of unrest and toxicity?

Get to the root of the problem before your undoing becomes that of another.

Self-Love Matters. How Will You Regain It?

Amid success, failure, chaos, promotions, and change, we tend to forget ourselves. We forget that we’re human. We forget that feeling is a normal part of life. We forget that we deserve love just as much as the next person.

And it’s okay to forget—normal, even. But you can’t forget about yourself forever. You are far too important.

Learn to love yourself despite it all, regardless of any shame, guilt, or regret you’re harboring. Remember that while no one is perfect, you can’t discount what makes you special. Make a promise to yourself. Promise that you’ll start giving yourself a chance. Promise that you’ll try to love yourself a little bit more. And remember—you can only go up from here.