My New Love Interest

I love it here! Choosing this new love might just be the best decision I’ve ever made. My new love interest? Let me keep you guessing for a moment. It’s not the kind of love you’re expecting. It’s not tied to a person, a romance, or even a fleeting crush. But it’s a love that feels so right, so true, and so life-changing.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Tenesha hasn’t been prioritizing herself?” Well, yes, I’ve always taken care of myself, but this experience feels different. It’s deeper. I’ve realized I have to keep evolving. Y’all might see a young woman who has done well for herself—and yes, I have—but I still struggle with wanting to please others, worrying less about what people think, and just doing me. Let’s be real—we’ve all been there. Social media is a perfect example of how easy it is to get caught up in seeking approval, whether we admit it or not.

To truly dive deep into myself, I’ve started doing the inner work. A good friend recently reminded me, “No going back to old habits in 2025,” and I couldn’t agree more. Those old habits will have you focused on everything except giving yourself grace for the things you’re doing right and celebrating what you’ve accomplished.

Loving myself—truly and unapologetically—is where my heart is right now.

I’m not going to lie—I usually have some type of love interest, someone on my mind, or a crush that keeps me daydreaming (haha!). But this year feels different. This year feels like the perfect time to figure out who I am, what I want, and what brings me joy, outside of anyone else.

Falling in love with myself isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing the journey. It’s about setting boundaries, learning to say no, and being okay with focusing on what makes me happy. I’ve started asking myself questions I used to avoid: What do I truly enjoy? What makes me feel alive? How do I want to show up in this world? And, for the first time, I’m making those answers my priority.

I’ve been spending time with my new love in ways that feel fun and fulfilling. I’ve found joy in shopping for things that make me feel confident and happy. I’ve prioritized spending time with good company—the kind of people who uplift me and make me feel supported. Putting effort into looking good has become a form of self-expression that I truly enjoy. I’ve started working out regularly and even challenged myself to take self-defense classes (which, let me tell you, are hard but so empowering!).

This journey has taught me that self-love isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the hard days. It’s about celebrating your wins, no matter how small, and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. I’m embracing the idea of taking life one step at a time and finding joy in the small, meaningful moments.

So here’s to my new love—me. To the laughs I’ve shared with myself, the quiet moments of reflection, and the endless possibilities that come with knowing and embracing who I truly am. If you’ve been putting yourself on the back burner, consider this your sign to fall in love with yourself, too. You deserve it.

Let me know—how are you prioritizing yourself this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.