For so many years, I thought I loved myself. I thought I was showing myself love by working hard to be able to eventually rest, but I was wrong. the day I passed out from stress was when I realised I was not taking care of myself. Another epiphany came to me when I became a Mindset Stylist. I realised that we pay lip service to loving ourself but it clearly shows we don’t fully understand what that means in the way we internally put ourselves down, what we eat that we know is not good for us, the type of information we consume, how we speak and the action we take. Knowing this on a higher level, I began to make conscious effort to make sure whatever I do is appreciating myself and loving myself every day.
This has led me to discover so many things about myself, my likes, values, priorities, my relationships etc. Guess what, when you show yourself love, you are in a way teaching people how to love you the right way. Falling in love with yourself is a beautiful and transformative journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Here are some steps to help you on the journey of self-love:
- Practice Self-Compassion – Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. Understand that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges; it’s a part of being human.
- Positive Self-Talk – Monitor your inner conversation. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Speak to yourself with love, encouragement, and understanding.
- Identify Your Strengths – Make a list of your strengths, talents, and achievements. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Recognising your strengths boosts self-esteem.
- Set Healthy Boundaries – Learn to say no when necessary. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love, ensuring that your time and energy are respected and protected.
- Self-Care Rituals – Develop a self-care routine that caters to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This could include activities you genuinely enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or taking relaxing baths.
- Accept Imperfections – Embrace your imperfections as a part of your uniqueness. Nobody is perfect, and accepting your flaws is a crucial step towards self-love.
- Forgive Yourself – Release guilt and forgive yourself for past mistakes. Understand that mistakes are opportunities for growth, and self-forgiveness is a powerful act of self-love.
- Mindful Living – Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciative of each moment. Mindful living helps you detach from negative thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of your life.
- Invest in Personal Development – Set goals for personal development. Whether it’s learning a new skill or pursuing a passion, investing in your growth contributes to a sense of accomplishment and self-love. You can read books too or listen to them. We should never stop learning.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity – Build a supportive and positive environment. I surround myself with things that make me happy, like scented candles, scented body cream. You should surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Minimize exposure to negativity in your relationships and surroundings.
- Celebrate Your Uniqueness: – Embrace what makes you unique. Celebrate your individuality and resist the urge to compare yourself to others. You are worthy just as you are. Yes, you deserve that ice cream (in moderation though).
- Journaling – Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Write down positive affirmations, your achievements, and things you’re grateful for. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to connect with yourself. I love to do this in the morning and at night.
- Seek Professional Support – If needed, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and tools for building self-love.
- Visualise Your Best Self – Use visualisation techniques to imagine the best version of yourself. Envision your goals and the person you aspire to become, use your imagination to live in that picture or movie in your mind. Visualisation is a powerful tool for self-transformation. I do this every moment I get the opportunity to just day dream.
- Express Self-Appreciation – Take time to appreciate yourself. Look in the mirror and acknowledge the things you love about yourself. Verbalize or write down your self-appreciation.
Remember, falling in love with yourself is an ongoing process. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey of self-discovery and self-love.
