Remember Love Summary

Feeling lost isn’t a setback; it’s a step forward into self-discovery and growth. It’s an opportunity to connect with yourself in the deepest way possible.

1. Feeling Lost is a Starting Point

Feeling uncertain in life can be disorienting, but rather than seeing it as a failure, Cleo Wade encourages reframing it as a beginning. This state of disconnection, while uncomfortable, is the spark that can ignite meaningful change and self-awareness.

In these moments, our insecurities surface, creating an opportunity for deeper reflection. We begin to ask ourselves: Who am I now? Where do I want to go? Such questions foster a stronger relationship with oneself, revealing desires and needs previously overlooked.

When lost, we often stumble upon clarity that routine and structure can obscure. Wade likens these moments to seeds being planted in fertile soil. Though the process may feel messy or slow, it paves the way for profound growth.

Examples

• Losing a job can lead someone to explore a passion they hadn’t pursued before.
• A broken relationship might push someone to rediscover their independence.
• Moving to a new city forces people to face their fears and reinvent themselves.

2. Self-Love is a Journey, Not a Destination

Cleo Wade describes self-love as fluid, comparing it to a bird in continual motion. Its rise and fall mirror life’s ups and downs, requiring us to treat love as an ongoing practice, not a final goal.

Instead of a static achievement, self-love evolves with our identities. As we change through different stages of life, our way of caring for ourselves must adjust too. It’s a process of learning and adapting, not perfecting.

Often, the hardest moments remind us how necessary self-love is. When life feels overwhelming, these acts of care can serve as our lifeline, guiding us back to stability.

Examples

• Taking weekends to rest and recharge instead of over-scheduling activities.
• Saying “no” to something that doesn’t align with your needs.
• Journaling daily to listen to your inner voice without judgment.

3. Change is an Opportunity for Growth

Wade emphasizes that life’s constant changes provide fertile ground for personal development. Instead of resisting change, she urges readers to embrace it as a natural and necessary part of the human experience.

Every shift in life – whether large or small – gives us the tools to reflect and transform. By letting go of what no longer serves us, we make room for things that align better with the person we are becoming.

Though change can be intimidating, it holds the promise of renewal. It’s through evolving circumstances that we often discover strength and courage we didn’t know we had.

Examples

• Switching careers may lead to a deeper sense of purpose.
• Moving away from toxic friendships can create space for healthy connections.
• Adapting to technological advances can open doors to new ways of learning.

4. The Power of Quiet Solitude

In the rush of daily life, Wade stresses the importance of carving out time for stillness and reflection. These intentional pauses are a form of self-love that allows us to reconnect with who we are beyond our roles and obligations.

Solitude nurtures mental clarity and emotional restoration. It creates space to process our experiences without external noise, letting us meet ourselves with authenticity and acceptance.

This practice of being alone doesn’t signify isolation but rather empowerment. It helps us realize that we possess everything we need within ourselves to feel peace and contentment.

Examples

• Meditating for 10 minutes each morning to start the day with calmness.
• Taking a quiet walk in nature without a phone or distractions.
• Spending an evening alone with a book or creative project.

5. Love is an Internal Compass

Love, according to Wade, is the guiding force that helps us find our way back to our innermost self. It serves as a constant amid the chaos and uncertainty of life changes, giving us direction and grounding.

Beyond romantic love, this encompasses self-love, familial love, and friendship. During times of struggle, remembering the love we give and receive creates a foundation of stability and hope.

By seeing love as the thread connecting all aspects of our lives, we anchor ourselves in what truly matters, regardless of external upheaval.

Examples

• Writing affirmations to remind yourself of your worth.
• Calling a loved one during difficult times to feel connected.
• Visualizing past moments of joy and warmth from loved ones.

6. Redefining Recovery as Progress

Recovery isn’t about returning to the person you were before a challenge but becoming stronger through the experience. Wade redefines recovery as moving forward at one’s unique pace, embracing healing as part of growth.

Instead of rushing the process or clinging to old definitions of success, recovery is about honoring where we are now. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t linear, but every small step is meaningful.

This shift allows us to view past struggles with gratitude rather than regret, reframing them as stepping stones instead of setbacks.

Examples

• Taking mental health breaks during a stressful project at work.
• Reflecting on lessons learned from a painful breakup.
• Adjusting expectations for personal improvement without comparisons.

7. Hardship is Just One Part of Life’s Spectrum

While society often glorifies adversity as the ultimate teacher, Wade reminds us that ease has value too. Life isn’t just about enduring struggle but also about enjoying moments of simplicity and rest.

Balancing hardship with joy prevents burnout and provides a more holistic approach to growth. It’s not about avoiding pain but finding harmony in both the quiet and challenging times.

We deserve to celebrate the easier moments rather than feeling guilty for them. Enjoying life helps replenish energy for the harder phases.

Examples

• Allowing yourself to relax without constantly striving for productivity.
• Celebrating small wins like completing a personal project.
• Recognizing happiness in fleeting moments, like a sunny day or a kind smile.

8. Embrace Curiosity About Yourself

When facing change, Wade suggests staying curious about who we’re becoming. Life is a continuous journey of learning to adapt to new versions of ourselves as we evolve.

This mindset fosters a sense of exploration rather than fear. By treating ourselves as a fascinating subject of discovery, we open up to life with wonder and possibility.

Curiosity about the self deepens self-awareness and fosters acceptance for the person we are now – flaws, growth, and everything in between.

Examples

• Asking yourself reflective questions, like “What brings me peace right now?”
• Exploring new hobbies or interests to see what resonates with you.
• Trying out a new routine to discover what energizes you most.

9. Brokenness Can Be Beautiful

Wade reframes moments of brokenness as opportunities to see our unique beauty. When life feels fractured, it’s a chance to appreciate the individual pieces that make us whole.

Each crack in our journey tells a story of resilience and growth. Rather than hiding these scars, wearing them proudly can deepen self-connection and compassion.

These times of vulnerability can remind us that being imperfect is human – and that these imperfections make us relatable and authentic.

Examples

• Writing about your challenges to acknowledge your growth.
• Sharing personal struggles with close friends to foster connection.
• Reflecting on past hardships you’ve overcome to recognize your strength.

Takeaways

1. Reframe feelings of being lost as a chance to learn more about yourself by asking questions and embracing uncertainty.
2. Build a daily self-love practice that includes quiet time, affirmations, or something nourishing to your well-being.
3. Approach change from a place of curiosity and excitement, treating each shift as an opportunity to grow and adapt.