Nurturing Resilience Through Biophilia and Self-Love

"I’m always putting everyone else’s needs before my own, and while I know I need self-care to feel strong and energized, prioritizing myself feels selfish and nearly impossible."

Does this sound like you? 

Living with resilience and cultivating a life of wellness are at the heart of my journey. While I’ve faced health challenges in the past, my commitment now is to stay strong, vibrant, and deeply connected to the things that nourish me—both inside and out. Two core practices support my path to well-being: my connection to nature, as I explore in Biophilia, and the practice of self-love, which I share in my book Self Love. Together, these practices create a foundation of strength, grounding me in resilience and vitality.

Biophilia: Finding Restoration in Nature

We often hear about the healing powers of nature, but Biophilia goes deeper, exploring our innate connection to the natural world. This bond with nature isn’t just a fondness for pretty landscapes or quiet moments; it’s a relationship that provides a source of renewal and balance.

For me, time spent outdoors is an essential part of my life. Whether I’m hiking a forest trail, photographing a sunrise, or simply taking a few mindful breaths in the fresh air, nature offers me a sanctuary. Studies show that being in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall well-being. But beyond these health benefits, my relationship with the natural world fuels my sense of resilience. Nature teaches us that even in challenging environments, growth and beauty are possible. The quiet strength of a tree, the adaptability of a river, or the resilience of wildflowers—all of these remind me that strength lies in flexibility, in grounding, and in living in harmony with our surroundings.

Self-Love: Building Inner Resilience

While my connection to nature provides a powerful outer source of strength, self-love sustains my inner resilience. In Self Love, I dive into the importance of daily acts of kindness toward oneself, recognizing our worth, and treating ourselves with compassion and respect. Self-love isn’t just a mindset; it’s a practice that I incorporate into my routine, a habit that reinforces my health and well-being.

Many people I talk with tell me they’re constantly putting others’ needs before their own, feeling as if self-care is somehow selfish or unimportant. It’s as if there’s never enough time to take care of themselves—they’re too busy being caregivers, meeting obligations, and running from one task to another. If this resonates with you, know that self-love isn’t about pushing others away or ignoring their needs. It’s about creating the strength within yourself so you can show up fully and joyfully for the people you love.

Taking time for self-love is one of the most powerful ways to support wellness, particularly when striving to remain cancer-free and vibrant in later life. Self-love reminds us that we are worth every effort we make to live well. By nurturing ourselves, we empower our bodies to heal, rejuvenate, and thrive. For me, self-love means listening to my body’s needs, choosing nourishing foods, getting enough rest, and creating space for mindfulness and relaxation.

I’ve come to understand that self-love also means setting boundaries and honoring my needs, whether that’s taking time for art, saying no to obligations that drain me, or committing to routines that fuel my well-being. This act of caring for myself reinforces the belief that I am here, I am whole, and I am worthy of my own love and compassion.

Combining Nature and Self-Love for Lasting Resilience

Together, Biophilia and self-love form a powerful approach to resilience. Nature gives me the strength to ground myself, reconnect, and replenish. Self-love provides the internal foundation that keeps me focused on my well-being. By integrating these practices, I’ve created a lifestyle that emphasizes wellness, joy, and purpose.

Each day, I make time to connect with nature and practice self-love. It could be as simple as enjoying my morning coffee outdoors, taking a mindful walk, or setting aside time to create something beautiful. These small acts remind me to live fully in the present, to appreciate my health, and to honor the resilience within me.

Building Your Own Path to Resilience

If you’re feeling stretched thin and constantly prioritizing others over yourself, I invite you to explore the practices of Biophilia and self-love. Find time to be in nature, even in simple ways, and let yourself enjoy the peace it brings. Explore self-love by incorporating small acts of kindness into your daily routine. These practices are about more than physical health—they help cultivate inner strength, joy, and the fulfillment that comes from living authentically.

In a world that constantly pulls us in many directions, prioritizing nature and self-love creates a foundation for resilience and purpose. Whether you’re facing a new challenge, seeking balance, or simply wanting to live more fully, these practices can help you stay grounded, energized, and connected to what truly matters.

I invite you to explore chapter 1 in my book Self-Love for free right now.  You can download this right now here.