Why Self-Love is a Legacy: Teaching the Next Generation to Care for Themselves

My Legacy Ladies let’s have a real talk—one of those “sit down with a cup of tea (or coffee, I don’t judge)” kind of chats. We’ve spent decades taking care of everybody else—our kids, grandkids, spouses, parents, neighbors, church family, and even that impossible sister who never wants to listen to anything you say (though she knows she doesn't know what she'd do without you). But how often have we poured that same love and care into ourselves?

It’s time to change the narrative. Because self-love isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths (though I highly recommend both). It’s about teaching the next generation that taking care of themselves is not selfish—it’s survival. It’s self-respect. It’s legacy.

Mom and child enjoying a hug in the parrk.

They’re Watching Us

You know how we used to watch our mothers and grandmothers, picking up little habits and ways of being? Some of those lessons were golden—like the secret to delicious greens or how to stretch a meal when unexpected guests showed up. But some lessons, well… let’s just say we inherited a whole lot of ‘push through the pain’ and ‘everybody else comes first’ thinking.

Our daughters and granddaughters are watching us now. If they see us constantly neglecting ourselves, running on fumes, and never allowing ourselves to rest, guess what they’ll think womanhood looks like? Tired. Overworked. And barely hanging on.

Nah. Not on my watch. At least not anymore. (At least, most of the time.)

Self-Love is More Than a Buzzword

Self-love is:

• Saying ‘no’ without guilt and ‘yes’ to what fills your cup.

• Resting without apologizing.

• Setting boundaries like you set the dinner table (like I use to)—with care but firmness.

• Eating food that nourishes, moving your body in ways that feel good, and speaking kindly to yourself.

• Healing from what hurt you instead of passing it down like a family heirloom.

When we embody self-love, we give permission for the next generation to do the same. We don't want then to see us as bent, broken and blessed (to be able to stand under the weight of it all). They need to see us happy, healthy, and whole —because that is a TRUE inheritance that we can leave behind.

Practical Ways to Pass It On

Want to start building this self-love legacy today? Try these:

1. Model It – Show them what it looks like to take a break, to prioritize your health, and to refuse to be treated less than you deserve.

2. Teach It – Have real conversations about self-worth, boundaries, and the importance of their emotional and physical well-being.

3. Live It Out Loud – Celebrate your victories, big and small. Let them see you laughing, traveling, learning new things, celebrating and loving yourself unapologetically.

4. Make It Generational – Create family traditions that center self-care—like monthly mental health check-ins, journaling together, or even self-care ‘field trips.’

You Deserve It, They Need It

When we take care of ourselves, we rewrite the script for future generations. We show them that a woman who loves herself is powerful, joyful, and whole. So, let’s be the example. Let’s make self-love an inheritance they’ll be proud to claim.

And if you need a little reminder, I just so happen to know a lady (me!) who creates personalized gifts to keep those affirmations front and center. Because self-love should be seen, felt, and passed down like the treasure it is.

Now, go do something good for yourself today, and make sure the younger ones see you doing it. They’ll thank you later. And so will you.

This is your girl, Rev. Sunae, signing off.

B'Blessed

Peace out!