Love Yourself First: The Relationship That Sets the Tone for Every Other One

DeAnna Taylor
Feb 16
3 min read

We spend so much time loving our kids, supporting our spouses, showing up for our friends, serving in the community, excelling at work… whew.

But when was the last time you checked in on your relationship with you?

Self-love sometimes gets a bad reputation. Some people hear it and think:

“Isn’t that selfish?” or “Shouldn’t I be focused on serving others?”

But let’s go to the Word.

In Mark 12:31, Jesus says:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

As. Yourself.

That means loving others well, actually assumes that you already know how to love you.

You can’t pour from a cup you constantly criticize. You can’t give grace to others if you never extend it to yourself. And you can’t model wholeness for your children if you’re always tearing yourself down.

Self-love isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship.

So What Does Self-Love Actually Look Like in 2026?

Not bubble baths every day (although we’re not against those).

Self-love looks like honesty. Boundaries. Courage. Grace. And sometimes doing the scary thing because you believe you’re worth the growth.

If you want this year to be different, let’s practice loving ourselves on purpose!

Here are 7 things you can try this month to strengthen your most important relationship:

1. Forgive Yourself

Stop replaying that mistake from 2017.Or last Tuesday.

God already extended grace. Now it’s your turn. Release the shame. Growth requires room to breathe.

2. Forgive Someone Else

Not because they deserved it. But because you deserve peace.

Forgiveness is less about them and more about freeing your own heart.

3. Expand Your Courage Muscle

Do one thing you’ve been afraid to do. Send the email. Apply for the opportunity. Start the business. Have the hard conversation.

Confidence doesn’t show up first, courage does.

4. Speak a Bold Truth

Tell someone what you like. Or what you don’t like. Or what you need.

Healthy relationships require clarity. And your voice matters.

5. Sit in Silence & Write Down a Big, “Crazy” Dream

No editing. No shrinking. No “that’s unrealistic.”

Just you, God, and possibility.

Let yourself imagine boldly again.

6. Invest in Something That Excites You

A class. A trip. A Coach purse. A new journal. A business idea. If it makes your spirit light up, pay attention. Joy is often a clue.

7. Stop Using Your Own Words to Tear Yourself Down

No more “I’m so stupid. ”No more criticizing your body. No more minimizing your accomplishments.

Speak to yourself the way you speak to your children.

With love. With hope. With belief.

Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life.

When you love yourself well:

You set better boundaries.
You attract healthier connections.
You parent from fullness, not frustration.
You model confidence for your children.

Self-love is not arrogance. It’s alignment.

And you deserve to be loved, even by you.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re wondering, “Okay DeAnna, but what does support actually look like?” I’ve got you.

Grab a copy of “50 Ways to Support an Overwhelmed Mom.”

Use it to:

Get ideas for supporting yourself better.
Share it with a friend who needs encouragement.
Build a stronger sisterhood around you.

Because loving yourself well also means letting others love you well too.

Grab your copy and start building support on purpose: https://www.momcareoasis.com/product-page/50-ways-to-support-an-overwhelmed-mom

Here’s to 2026 being the year you stop shrinking and start stewarding your heart well!