"毎日一日中一晩中自分と一緒にいるのだから、自分を好きになってもいいんじゃないですか"

Liking yourself is crucial because, honestly, you're stuck with yourself 24/7. You don’t get a break from your own company — not even a quick five-minute breather. This idea might seem obvious, but think about it. Every single moment you're alive, you’re there. You’re the one constant in your life. So, why not make the best of it and actually enjoy your own company?

Now, let’s rewind to a bit of context. This line is often shared in personal development circles to emphasize self-acceptance and self-love. It's likely said that many times because people sometimes treat themselves worse than they treat others. You might criticize yourself harshly or feel frustrated about your flaws. But if you’re with yourself all the time, that’s a pretty miserable way to live, right?

Take, for instance, Sarah — a friend of mine. Sarah always had a knack for helping others but would never give herself the same kindness. She’d beat herself up for small mistakes, like missing a workout or forgetting to call someone back. One day, though, she decided to flip the script. She started treating herself like a friend. Whenever she made a mistake, she'd ask herself, "Would I talk to my best friend this way?" Usually, the answer was no. Slowly but surely, she began to like herself more. She even looked happier and more relaxed.

So, how can you put this wisdom into practice? Start by paying attention to your self-talk. If you catch yourself being overly critical, try to change the narrative. Ask yourself if you’d talk that way to someone you care about. Probably not. Make it a habit to celebrate your small wins too. Did you finish a tough project at work? Treat yourself to something nice. Did you handle a tricky situation well? Give yourself a pat on the back. The idea is to build a positive relationship with yourself, bit by bit.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend. They’re telling you about a rough day they had. What do you do? You listen, you comfort, and you encourage them. Now, switch roles. Imagine you’re the one having a tough day. Instead of berating yourself, try to offer the same comfort and encouragement you’d give your friend. It feels different, right? Kinder, more supportive. That’s the goal — to become your own best friend.

Take Jack, for example. Jack used to dread looking in the mirror. He’d pick apart his appearance and magnify his perceived flaws. One day, he decided to change his routine. Each morning, he’d look in the mirror and say one positive thing about himself. It felt awkward at first, but over time, he started to believe it. His confidence grew, and he found that he enjoyed his own company a lot more.

So, it’s pretty straightforward. You’re the person you spend the most time with. You’re there for all the highs and lows, the mundane moments, and the extraordinary ones. Why not make that experience as pleasant as possible? Treat yourself kindly, recognize your worth, and learn to appreciate the person you are. Because in the end, liking yourself makes every single day a whole lot better.