Being chronically ill is already overwhelming. Your body is fighting battles most people cannot see, your energy is limited, and your emotional resilience is tested daily. On top of that, many of us carry a deeply ingrained habit: people pleasing. We try to make everyone comfortable, we take on the emotional burdens of others, and we stretch ourselves thin, often at the cost of our own health.

Self-love starts with connection. It’s about tuning in, noticing your thoughts and feelings, and treating yourself with the same care you’d give a close friend. When we neglect this connection, we can get stuck in cycles of self-doubt, harsh inner criticism, or chasing approval from others.