Why You Should Approach Every Day Like It’s Your Birthday

Today is my birthday, and I’m feeling all the warm, birthday vibes. The messages, calls, and cards pouring in from friends, family, and clients have reminded me just how much I’m cared for. It’s not about the gifts or the attention; it’s about the beautiful affirmation that I matter, that I’m seen, and that the people in my life truly value me.

But as I soak it all in, a question keeps coming to mind: why do we only let ourselves feel this way on special days? Why not every day? The truth is, we can. And today, I want to explore how cultivating this sense of gratitude and self-love can everyday transform the way we approach our lives—especially when stress, anxiety, or depression feel like they’re stealing the spotlight.

Self-Love: The Belief That Changes Everything

When we talk about self-love, it’s not surprising that many of us feel a bit lost. If someone asked, “How do you show self-love?” what would your answer be? For many, it’s a blank space. It’s not because we don’t want to love ourselves—it’s because we’ve never been taught how.

Self-love isn’t just about repeating affirmations in the mirror. Beliefs, including the belief in self-love, are formed through emotion and repetition. Think of it as planting a seed. The way you nurture that seed determines whether it grows into something beautiful or fades away.

Here’s the process I share with my clients when they ask, How to practice self-love?

How to Build the Belief of Self-Love

1. Decide: It starts with a simple decision: to care about how you feel. Self-love begins with the intention to prioritise your emotional well-being. Decide that you are worthy of feeling good, of joy, and of being loved—by others and yourself.

2. Plant It: Like planting a seed, you must consciously plant the belief of self-love. Visualise the person you want to be—someone who feels loved, valued, and important. Picture this version of yourself vividly, in full color and detail, with all of your senses.

3. Feel and Act Like That Person: Emotion is the water that nourishes your belief. Start practicing feeling what it’s like to be that person. Imagine how they act, think, and speak. Then, align your actions with those feelings—whether it’s setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, or celebrating your wins.

4. Nurture the Belief: Just as a seed needs time to grow, your belief in self-love needs consistent attention. Focus on thoughts, actions, and habits that align with your desired outcome—feeling loved and cared for. Avoid introducing the “weeds” of self-criticism or doubt that can crowd out your progress.

5. Let Old Beliefs Die: The old beliefs about yourself—like “I’m not good enough” or “I am not loved”—lose their power when you stop feeding them with attention. Instead, redirect your focus to your new belief.

6. Reinforce With Repetition: Beliefs solidify through repetition. Choose good-feeling thoughts deliberately and often. With time and practice, self-love becomes as natural as breathing—a fixed habit that supports and uplifts you daily.
   

Gratitude: The Fuel for Self-Love

Another powerful way to cultivate self-love is through gratitude. On my birthday, I feel so grateful for the people who show me love and care, but gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to special occasions. When you take the time to notice and appreciate the small joys—like the sun on your face, a kind word from a friend, or even your own efforts—it transforms your perspective.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant. And the more you practice it, the more you notice the good in your life, including the good within yourself.

A Daily Celebration

Approaching every day like it’s your birthday doesn’t mean expecting gifts or attention. It’s about showing up for yourself with care, gratitude, and self-compassion. When you nurture yourself emotionally, you create a ripple effect that not only transforms how you feel but also how you interact with the world.

You matter. You are loved. And you deserve to feel that—not just once a year, but every single day.

So today, let’s celebrate ourselves and start planting the seeds of self-love that will grow into something extraordinary.