Self-doubt is widespread, even self-hatred is becoming more and more prevalent in all classes, people don't have it easy, these are "hard" times.
Of course, you have to look at yourself critically, but peace with your own self is also Buddhist, Buddha taught that we should not harm any living being, including ourselves. You don't have to love yourself, but at least accept yourself as you are, at least find yourself okay.
All people make mistakes, but to make your life difficult because of that, that doesn't have to be. And of course it is part of our life to question ourselves again and again, also to respond to criticism from third parties.
But where is the border between "self-reflection" and "self-hatred", what is still healthy, what goes too far? You can at least learn to accept yourself, various exercises are on the market. I present you the most important approaches to make peace with your "I" with instructions. Are you ready to try something new?
First of all, if you can't love yourself, you probably hear the little voice that constantly criticizes you, tells you that you do everything wrong, are not worth anything, just do stupid things, and have no idea at all.
This voice is a central theme in Buddhism, because this mood is followed by judgment (I am stupid) and will (I want this or that), which is why this voice embodies the ego and should be silenced, which of course does not always work. So you have to come to terms (at least for now) with the voice, accept the little man in your ear, find a passable way of dealing with the matter.
Write down what's going on in your mind palace, what thoughts come up, and most importantly, when. What happened, why is this thought coming up right now, what are the connections? Start to get into a dialogue with this voice, accept the voice as your own ego, feel the criticism not as punishment, but as a chance to grow.
Start to see your ego (in a first step) as a "little friend" that makes you aware of some things, consciously enter into a conversation with the ego, not into a confrontation.
You must not avoid this kind of self-talk, accepting the situation is the "real" first point to more self-love. However, don't let your own ego wrap you around its little finger.
Read more about this topic in the next few days in "Self-love part 2".
The way is the goal!

Hate is not defeated by hate, but by love
- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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