we have been taught to be kind to others .For a long time "putting ourselves first" was considered being self centered. With time we learnt that when your soul is unloved and hurt, It cannot pour love outside. Once we fill our heart with love ,it flows out in the world effortlessly. Self love improves physical and emotional health. It reduces stress and brings in the sense of calm .It helps us accept our imperfections. When we have loving relationship with self it reflects in all other aspects of our life..
When is the last time you said "I love you" to yourself. If you could just try now. Does it feel weird? Is it easy or difficult? Do you hear your mind saying "NO I cannot love myself, I am not perfect". You don't need to be perfect to love yourself. Self love starts with loving yourself in now with no conditions. Wanting a change or improvement does not have to stop you for loving you now. Say "I love you" to you everyday and let it grow every day.
You can choose to love yourself by creating positive self talk in you mind. Self love will make your life journey easier. Use loving and caring words for yourself. Correct yourself every time you call yourself stupid, dumb or any degrading word. Replace negative words with positive vocabulary like "Its ok to fail, lets try it again or I need to do this another way to make it right" "I am proud of you for attempting this". Find things that you are good at and praise yourself for it. Do not scare yourself by using words like "shit" "oh crap" etc. instead say "ok ...this happened ,how do we make it better" Be your own cheerleader and let go of self Judgement.