Living in Love: How Self-Love Practices Transform Your Life
Are you ready to invite more love into your life—not just from others, but from within yourself?
In a world that often teaches us to seek validation externally, the idea of self-love can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. Yet, as shared in a deeply moving conversation on the Into Your Life Podcast, self-love is not only transformative, it’s essential. Through the powerful journey of self-love coach and author Colinda Latour, we’re reminded that love isn’t something we chase; it’s something we become.
From Turmoil to Transformation
Colinda’s story is one many can quietly relate to. Growing up in a challenging environment marked by abandonment and emotional hardship, her early experiences shaped patterns that followed her into adulthood, especially in relationships.
Like so many, she searched for love outside herself, hoping someone else could fill what felt missing within. But it wasn’t until she reached a breaking point, what she describes as “rock bottom”, that something shifted.
Instead of searching outward, she turned inward.
Through practices like self-hypnosis, mirror work, and intentional solitude, she began rebuilding her relationship with herself. One simple yet powerful exercise, looking into the mirror and saying “I love you”, felt awkward and even untrue at first. But over time, repetition softened resistance, and something deeper began to take root.
That “something” was self-love.
Becoming Love by Living It
Self-love, as Colinda discovered, isn’t just a mindset, it’s a practice.
At one point in her journey, she asked herself a profound question: What would it mean to become love? Not just feel it occasionally, but embody it in everyday life.
Her answer came through action.
She created a personal 31-day challenge, committing to small, intentional “love actions” every day. These weren’t grand gestures, they were simple, consistent acts:
- Giving herself a hug
- Sending messages of appreciation
- Pausing to enjoy ordinary moments
- Treating daily routines with mindfulness and care
These micro-practices began to rewire her experience of life. Stress softened. Joy became more accessible. Relationships improved. Even opportunities seemed to flow more easily.
The transformation wasn’t magical, it was intentional.
The Science Behind Self-Love
What makes these practices so powerful isn’t just their emotional impact, they are supported by science.
When we focus on love, appreciation, and gratitude, our nervous system shifts. The brain reduces activity in fear-based regions, allowing us to feel calmer, safer, and more connected. At the same time, the body releases chemicals associated with well-being and emotional balance.
Practices like heart-focused breathing help synchronise the heart and brain, creating a state often described as “coherence.” In this state, we think more clearly, feel more grounded, and respond to life with greater ease.
In simple terms, when you cultivate love, your body and mind follow.
Self-Love Isn’t Selfish
One of the biggest misconceptions about self-love is that it’s self-centred or indulgent.
In reality, it’s foundational.
Many of us have been conditioned to believe our worth comes from what we do for others, how we are perceived, or whether we are in a relationship. This can lead to guilt when we prioritise ourselves, or fear when we stand alone.
But self-love does not isolate us, it strengthens us.
When we feel whole within ourselves:
- We form healthier relationships
- We set clearer boundaries
- We give from abundance, not depletion
No one else can do this inner work for us. And the truth is, they are not meant to.
Starting Small: Love in Everyday Moments
If self-love feels overwhelming, the good news is: you don’t have to overhaul your life to begin.
Start small.
- Place your hand on your heart and take a few slow breaths
- Write down a few things you appreciate each day
- Speak kindly to yourself, even if it feels unnatural
- Recall a moment of unconditional love, perhaps from a pet or a loved one
- Pause and fully experience a simple moment, like sunlight on your skin or the warmth of water on your hands
These small acts may seem insignificant, but they build something powerful over time: a new relationship with yourself.
Love Is Contagious
Perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey is its ripple effect.
As you begin to embody love, you naturally extend it to others. Your presence shifts. Your energy softens. You become more open, more grounded, more authentic.
And people feel it.
Love, in this way, becomes contagious. The more you practice it, the more it grows—not just within you, but around you.
A Final Invitation
If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or unworthy, consider this your invitation:
Start with one small act of love today.
Not tomorrow. Not when you feel “ready.” Now.
Because love isn’t something you have to earn. It’s something you can choose, moment by moment, breath by breath.
And as you do, you may discover something extraordinary:
The love you have been searching for has been within you all along!
Until next time
Chat soon
Natalie & Lenka
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