BEcoming your own best friend

When we think of friendship, we often think outward—of those we love, trust, and laugh with. But what about the friendship within? What if one of the most meaningful relationships we can build is the one we have with ourselves?

It’s rare that we were taught how to truly love ourselves. In fact, many of us were raised to believe that self-criticism leads to growth, or that approval has to be earned through constant doing. But healing begins when we realize: caring for yourself isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

the Power of Self-Love

Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, taught that our thoughts and beliefs deeply influence our emotional and physical health. One of her most transformational practices? Looking in the mirror and saying kind, affirming words to yourself. Not to boost the ego—but to speak to the wounded, hidden parts that long to feel safe, seen, and accepted.

She often said: "You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens."

It’s a radical invitation: to become your own best friend. To offer yourself comfort instead of critique. To build a relationship with yourself based on compassion instead of performance.

Therapist and author Marisa Peer says the belief of “I am not enough”  is the greatest epidemic of our time. She teaches that at the root of so many emotional struggles—anxiety, addiction, perfectionism, burnout—is a core belief that we are somehow not good enough.

But here’s the good news: this belief isn’t permanent. It’s something we inherited, learned, or absorbed and it can be unlearned.

Self-love and inner friendship aren’t just emotional fluff. They are rewiring tools. When we consistently practice compassion toward ourselves, we reshape the brain. We influence how our bodies respond to stress. We teach our nervous systems that we are safe, loved, and enough—just as we are.

You’re Allowed to Like Yourself

This International Day of Friendship, we invite you to not just think of others—but to turn inward. To soften toward yourself. To befriend the version of you that’s always been trying, always been showing up, even when it’s hard.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present—with yourself, and for yourself.