Why believing in yourself is good — but loving yourself is better!
We hear a lot about self-esteem and self-love — and sometimes people use them like they’re the same thing. But while they’re related, they’re actually a little different.
What Self-Esteem Means
Self-esteem is how you evaluate your own worth. It’s the voice that says, “I’m capable,” or sometimes, “I’m not enough.” It’s tied to confidence, pride, and how much we believe in ourselves.
Healthy self-esteem helps us try new things, bounce back from setbacks, and feel proud of our progress. But self-esteem can also rise and fall depending on success, failure, or outside approval.
Why Self-Love Runs Deeper
Self-love isn’t about scoring yourself higher. It’s about accepting yourself unconditionally. It means being kind to yourself on the days you succeed and on the days you fall short.
Self-love says: “I am worthy of care, even when I make mistakes. I am enough, simply because I am.”
That makes self-love steadier than self-esteem. Where self-esteem is built on evaluation, self-love is built on compassion.
When life is going well, self-esteem feels strong. But when we’re struggling, it’s often self-love that carries us through.
Self-esteem helps us believe we can.
Self-love reminds us we’re still worthy, even if we can’t.
The Bottom Line
Both are important, but together they create a balance: motivation to grow, and gentleness when we stumble.
Self-esteem is valuable — it fuels confidence and achievement. But self-love gives us the resilience and compassion to keep going, no matter the circumstances.
So yes, build your self-esteem. But remember to nurture your self-love too. It’s the foundation that allows us not only to succeed, but to live with peace, connection, and authenticity.
Until next time remember…To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. (Oscar Wilde) so keep going.
Love,
SLS family
