Love thyself? Narcissism?

What does “self-love” mean to you?

It recently came up again but I have heard the term “self –love” discussed by many psychologists for many years.  I have always had a vague notion about the concept but what really is self-love?  I do know it is considered to be an important concept for personal growth but I don't have a real handle as to what it really means or how to find it and use it in my life.

I have always been wary of the term because in the world in which I was raised it was equated or confused with being conceited or selfish.   It was not a concept we were raised to value or look for. Attitudes have changed but I see that perhaps some parents have gone a bit overboard in counteracting the messages of our upbringing.  In seeking to raise children to value themselves I hope we have not created young adults that confuse self love with narcissism.  Narcissism to me is caring only about yourself and having no concern for others except for how what they do affects you.  Narcissists lack empathy. 

So I have decided to begin a quest to define self-love, find it or the lack of it in my own life and decide if I really should develop more of it to help me live my life to the fullest.   I hope you will join me.