This is a note to self. My future self.
As I read The Courage to Be Disliked, the Growth Book Club’s book of the month, I realised something profound—I actually like myself. For once, I see more than just my shortcomings. I see my strong points, the things that make me me, my curiosity, my resilience. I see the effort I put into growth, the way I show up for myself, and the small joys that shape my life.
In a world constantly urging everyone to be more and do more, simply saying, "I like myself," has felt like an act of quiet rebellion. But self-acceptance isn’t about complacency. It’s about embracing who we are while giving ourselves the space to grow.
For so long, I’ve measured my worth by how much I hated myself. How much I hated my body, my way of thinking, my mistakes, and all the ways I believed I fell short. I thought that being overly critical meant I was holding myself to a higher standard, and that secret self-hate was a necessary ingredient for self-improvement.
But I was wrong. Hating myself never made me better; it only made me exhausted. It kept me stuck in cycles of doubt, constantly chasing an impossible version of myself that I thought would finally be "good enough."
Now, I see things differently. Growth doesn’t come from tearing myself apart. It comes from learning to embrace who I am while striving to be better. It comes from seeing my strengths, not just my flaws. From giving myself grace, not just criticism.
And for the first time, I can say it out loud—I like myself. I like myself enough to try, I like myself enough to dream, enough to take up space without apology. I like myself enough to rest without guilt, to set boundaries without fear, to embrace my freak without shame.
I like myself enough to believe that I am worthy, not because of what I achieve or how others see me, but simply because I am. And that is enough.
Liking yourself is a continuous journey, not a destination. It involves unlearning self-criticism, challenging negative self-talk, and embracing your self, flaws, and unique strengths. In case you’re wondering, here’s what this might look like:
Acknowledging your worth: You are enough, right now, as you are. Your worth isn’t tied to productivity, appearance, or external approval.
Speaking kindly to yourself: The way you talk to yourself matters. Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I am learning and growing.”
Setting boundaries: Protecting your peace and energy is an act of self-respect. You don’t have to please everyone.
Allowing yourself to be a work in progress: Growth is beautiful, but so is the person you are today. You can appreciate yourself while striving for more. You’re allowed to change your mind; you’re growing.
Liking yourself means you choose to accept yourself with grace, knowing that self-love is a foundation, not a reward. It’s waking up and deciding that even on hard days, you are still worthy of kindness and care.
So, say it with me: I like myself. Even when I make mistakes. Even when I’m sad. Not just when I succeed. Not just when I feel confident. Not just when others affirm it. But always, because I am enough.
And so are you.
lulu’s recs for the week
To read
Geraldine wrote on How to Self Sabotage Like A Pro, and I related so badly.
I experienced nostalgia in my own way when reading “Free to Be…You and Me” Did Not Prepare Me for this Moment.
To listen
My favourite sisters dropped an episode on How We're Breaking Generational Cycles and Birthing New Ones. I needed to hear it; you might too.
Lulu’s Yap station: The best podcast EVER🙂↔️