Self-Consent: A Powerful Practice of Self-Love Self-love isn’t something we’re born knowing—it’s a skill we develop over time. It’s a series of daily choices, often small but deeply meaningful. One of the most profound yet overlooked acts of self-love is self-consent. When we begin to embrace this practice, we unlock a transformative sense of agency and empowerment. What Is Self-Consent? When we talk about consent, it’s usually in relation to others—like giving permission for a hug or signing a consent form at the doctor’s office. These practices create boundaries that keep us safe, helping us build trust in our relationships. But what if we applied that same principle internally? Self-consent means learning to recognize and honor our own “yes” and “no.” It’s listening to the cues our body gives us—about what feels safe, nourishing, or overwhelming—and making space for those signals to guide our decisions. Why Self-Consent Matters—Especially After Trauma For many who have experienced