Hi, I'm Emilia Isabelle

The Art of Being Your Own Bestie

Friendships are often weird and wonderful, but being a functioning adult with any kind of social life sometimes feels like a full-time job. Between work, parenting, home renovations, trying to eat anything with nutrional value, and pretending to have a skincare routine, there’s not always much left in the tank for you.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and lately, mine’s been bone dry like the Sahara Desert level of dry. So I’ve been attempting (and failing but still going regardless) to fill it not with fancy spa days and an instagrammable vegan plate but with tiny moments of self-connection.

Sometimes, self-care isn’t bath times with candles and bubbles. Sometimes it’s saying no without guilt. Sometimes it’s switching off your phone, eating toast for dinner, and being okay with that. It’s choosing not to beat yourself up because you can’t muster the energy to go to the gym.

Other times it’s reminding yourself that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. It means you finally have control of the TV and no one’s judging you for rewatching the same comfort show for the fifth time.

Reconnecting with yourself is about remembering that you deserve the same energy you give to everyone else. You’re not just the supporting character in everyone’s story, you’re the main one in your own.

Whilst I’m failing currently, it won’t stop me trying and so I’m still turning up, and I’ve been making small promises to myself. Things like:

• I will not apologise for needing rest.
• I will speak to myself with the same kindness I’d give my best friend.
• I will stop assuming everyone secretly hates me if they take more than 2 business days to reply.

When your relationship with yourself is strong, every other connection  friendships, family, and even strangers start to feel lighter and more genuine.

Journal Prompts to Reconnect

• What is something small that could fill your cup right now?
• What are you currently giving to others that you need to give back to yourself?
• When do you feel most you, the unfiltered, unhurried, unbothered version of you?
• What can you stop apologising for today? (Hint: “Sorry I’m a mess” this is my catchphrase at this point)
• If you were your own best friend, what would you tell yourself right now?

Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for everything else. The way you speak to you, care for you, and prioritise you, it all ripples outwards and impacts everything and everyone around you.

So let’s top up your metaphorical cup, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and remind yourself that being your own best friend isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation for everything else. And if anyone asks what you’re doing, just tell them you’ve got plans with someone really important!