Posted by Anastasia Heggie
on June 09, 2025
Micro Doses of Self-Love: How I Transformed from Broken to Thriving
In 2022, I hit what I can only describe as rock bottom—a complete mental breakdown paired with a severe health crash that left me feeling utterly shattered. As a mother of two, I was grappling with the complexities of an off-the-rails teen who was listed as a missing person 6 times in 2 months, running a business, contending with an abusive narcissistic family, and nurturing a spirited three-year-old. Anxiety and depression descended like a heavy fog, suffocating me. But through the chaos, I discovered the life-altering power of self-love.
In a world that often seems to harden us time and time again, choosing to stay soft and see the good in others and ourselves is an act of true bravery. Recognise that vulnerability and kindness, both towards yourself and others, are strengths, not weaknesses. In maintaining a gentle approach to life and yourself, despite challenges, you cultivate resilience and a heart open to joy and love.
My name is Anastasia Heggie, and I am the founder of Love You Well, an organisation dedicated to inspiring Australian women to prioritise themselves and reclaim their wellness. My journey from despair to a thriving life is a testament to the profound impact that micro doses of self-love can have on our well-being.
I remember sitting alone one night, feeling as if life had crushed me to dust. It was in this oppressive darkness that an idea took root: “A rock has to be crushed for a diamond to be created.” I realised then that perhaps my breaking was the beginning of my becoming. But how do you start to love yourself when every part of you feels fractured?
Setting Boundaries
The first step in my journey was setting boundaries. I made the difficult decision to cut ties with toxic family members. This wasn’t easy, and the pain felt insurmountable at times. However, it was transformative. By removing harmful influences from my life, I created space for healing and self-discovery. Boundaries empowered me to reclaim my narrative, reminding me that I am not defined by the actions of others, but by my own strength and choices.
Journaling for Emotional Processing
Journaling became my refuge—a place where I could pour out emotions without judgment. It allowed me to process thoughts and feelings, bringing clarity to my internal chaos. Writing provided a safe space to explore my fears, desires, and dreams, guiding me toward understanding and acceptance. Journaling helped me navigate through my pain, ultimately leading me to self-awareness and growth.
Embracing Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation was a sanctuary amidst the noise—a practice that enabled me to connect with my true self. By dedicating time each day to meditation, I cultivated inner peace and resilience. These moments of stillness were crucial in helping me manage anxiety and stress. Mindfulness practices taught me to live in the present moment, appreciating life’s simple joys and nurturing gratitude.
Holistic Self-Care
Embracing a holistic approach to self-care meant nurturing my mind, body, and soul. I began prioritising physical health through exercise and nutrition, taking time aside to take care of my skin, LED Light therapy and mood boosting boosting vitamins and supplements – which revitalised my energy and spirit. Emotional self-care involved surrounding myself with positivity and love—whether through supportive friendships or empowering activities. Spiritual practices, like affirmations and gratitude rituals, anchored me in positivity, encouraging healing and transformation.
Reframing Negative Self-Talk
I learned to reframe negative self-talk and replace it with affirmations of love and worthiness. This shift was vital in changing the way I perceived myself and my capabilities. By cultivating a compassionate inner dialogue, I built self-confidence and resilience, enabling me to face challenges with courage and optimism.
Finding Purpose and Passion
I realigned my life with purpose and passion. This meant pursuing activities and projects that lit up my soul, rekindling my love for creativity and connection. Finding purpose provided a sense of direction and fullfillment, reminding me of what truly matters in life.
Embrace Your Imperfections
One of the most liberating discoveries was embracing my imperfections. As I sat amidst the pieces of my life in 2022, I realized that my uniqueness was exactly what had the power to rebuild me. I began each day with a small but powerful ritual: acknowledging one thing I liked about myself. This practice gradually fostered my self-esteem, affirming that imperfection is not a failure but a beautifully human trait.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
I learned the profound impact of my social environment. By surrounding myself with individuals who uplifted and supported me, I created a network of positivity and encouragement. Distance from negativity allowed me to flourish and focus on personal growth.
Forgive Yourself
Letting go of past mistakes and embracing forgiveness was one of the hardest yet most freeing steps. I realized that my missteps didn’t define me; rather, they taught me valuable lessons. By releasing guilt, I found the courage to move forward, unburdened by regret.
Create Affirmations
Affirmations became a daily commitment to myself. Phrases like “I am safe, I am worthy of love” and “I can shape my destiny” served as powerful tools to rewire my mindset. These positive statements fueled my resolve and reaffirmed my dedication to living a life filled with self-love.
Seek Professional Guidance
At my lowest, professional guidance offered me a lifeline. Therapy provided a safe space to explore my feelings and past experiences, offering insights and personalised strategies for healing. The support of a professional was indispensable on my journey to reclaiming my wellness.
In these small, consistent acts of self-love, I discovered resilience. Every moment spent meditating brought calm to my storm. Every word written in my journal brought clarity. Every boundary reinforced brought freedom. These micro doses of self-love were not indulgences but essential lifelines to my most authentic self.
“I have learned that the trauma is not who I am,” I often remind myself. For too long, I let my past define me, but it is in loving myself well that I found the courage to evolve. The woman I am today—more authentic, happier, healthier, more alive—is a direct result of embracing my brokenness and transforming it into a mosaic of strength and beauty.
Yes, I was once crushed, but that pressure birthed a diamond. It has shaped me into a brighter, bolder, braver version of me. And while the journey was harrowing, it is not the end of my story. By loving myself back to wellness, I emerged not as a product of my trauma but as the truest, most resilient version of myself.
If I can find calm amidst the chaos, you can too. Remember, self-love is not selfish; it’s necessary. Hang in there—your transformation is on the horizon. Xox
Big Love & Light,
Anastasia Heggie
Love You Well, Founder
