Learn to Love Yourself
You are special..There is no other person in this world like you! And you deserve love… not only from those around you but by the most important person in your life — YOU.
In this week of celebrating International Women’s Day, I was reminded again of how much we, as women, take on. We take care of others, we nurture, we guide, we support, we take on endless responsibilities and tasks. It is no wonder we often feel burnt out and used up. We probably all have a tendency to be too tough on ourselves and forget to relax.
Many of us yearn to feel well and rested and at peace again… and learning how to practice self-love can be a positive step in that direction. It’s not about being selfish or narcissistic, it’s about getting in touch with ourselves, our well-being and our happiness.
Learn to Love Yourself:
Breathe in… breathe out… hug yourself… now start practicing the following tips on self-love:
-Be positive
Start each day by telling yourself something really positive… how great your hair looks, how lovely your smile is…Anything that will make you feel good.
-Stop comparing yourself to others
We’re socialised to be competitive, so comparing ourselves to others is natural. But it can be dangerous. Rather, focus on yourself and your journey.
-Don’t worry about others’ opinions
You can’t make everyone happy, so this is a waste of time and will only slow you down on your journey to being the best you.
-Allow yourself to make mistakes
Make mistakes — lots of them! The lessons you’ll gain are priceless.
-Remember your value doesn’t lie in how your body looks
Make changes to improve your health and wellbeing, but remember…You are valuable because you are you, not because of your body.
So, wear what makes you feel good, confident, comfortable, and happy.
-Don’t be afraid to let go of toxic people
Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life. Surround yourself with positive people who enrich your life.
-Process your fears
Feeling afraid is natural and human. Don’t avoid it. Understanding your fears helps you to gain clarity and unmask issues in your life that were causing you anxiety.
-Trust yourself to make good decisions for yourself
We so often doubt ourselves and our ability to do what’s right, when most of the time we do know in our hearts what’s best.
-Take every opportunity life presents or create your own
The timing is never going to be perfect for that next big step in your life. Seize the moment because it may never come back.
-Put yourself first
Women can grow accustomed to putting others first. Although there’s a time and a place for this, it shouldn’t be a habit that costs you your mental or emotional well-being.
-Feel pain and joy as fully as you can
Allow yourself to feel things fully. Lean into pain, revel in your joy, and don’t put limitations on your feelings.
-Speak your mind
Get into the habit of speaking your mind. Don’t wait for permission to take a seat at the table. Join the conversation. Contribute your thoughts. Take action, and know that your voice is just as important as anyone else’s.
-See beauty in the simple things
Try to notice at least one beautiful, small thing around you every single day. Make note of it, and be grateful for it.
-Be kind to yourself
Speak kindly to yourself, and don’t call yourself mean things. Celebrate yourself and how far you have come.
-Celebrate milestones
Celebrate your wins no matter how big or small. Pat yourself on the back and be proud of what you have achieved.
-Step outside of your comfort zone
Try something new. It’s incredible the feeling we get when we realize we have achieved something we didn’t know or think we could do before.
-Be Unique
Embrace and love the things that make you different. This is what makes you special.
-Meditate
Calm your mind every day. Breathe in and out, clear your mind and just be.
-Follow your passion.
What excites you but scares you at the same time? That thing you really want to do but have convinced yourself it won’t work? You should go do that!
-Be more intentional
Be mindful of what you think, feel and want. Live your life in ways that truly reflect this.
-Treat others with love and respect
It makes us feel better about ourselves when we treat others the way we hope to be treated.
-Find something to be grateful for every day
No matter how tough your day…find at least one thing you are grateful for. It will help to shift your mind and energy.
-Connect with people
Reach out to family and friends, when you need then. They would want to be there for you if you let them.
-Say no
Learn to say no…it makes you a smart person.
-Forgive yourself
You can’t change the things you have done in the past but you can control your future. Look at it as a learning experience and believe in your ability to change.
-Try writing
Keep a journal, then if you need to, tear it up, burn it, whatever you need to do to let it go.
-Turn off and inwards
Grab a cup of coffee, sit down for a few minutes with no distractions. Think about the wonderful things that are happening in your life right now, what your big dreams are and how you can make them happen.
-Don’t be afraid to be creative
Get creative and express yourself in whatever way you like. Painting, writing, sculpting, building, music…and just enjoy it, no judgement or unrealistic expectations.
-Find your happy place
Where’s the one place you feel totally at ease, calm, happy, positive, high on life? Go to that place when you are going through hard times, or imagine yourself being there. Think about how it feels, what it smells like, what it looks like.
-List positive things about yourself
The next time you are feeling happy and on top of the world make a list of your best qualities and accomplishments. ..it can be a wonderful reminder when you are having a tough day.
-Get in touch with your inner dialogue
If it’s anything less than loving, encouraging and supportive, it’s time to make a change. You deserve to be spoken to in the same way you would speak to your best friend.
-Be realistic
There is no person on this earth that is happy every single moment of every single day. We make mistakes, we feel emotions (good and bad) and this is OK. Allow yourself to be human.
Be patient with yourself. Self-love may not happen overnight. But practise it enough, focus on the steps above, and it could change your life.