To love yourself is to understand you don’t need to be perfect to be good. – Unknown Author
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s welcome in February 2020 by discussing self-love. What is self-love? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, self-love can be defined as an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. Self-love begins when we observe our actions and words with compassion as if we were our own best friend.
In addition, self-love is:
• Being honest about your current choices and thought patterns.
• Not selfish, but it forces you to undertake new practices that reflect self-worth.
• The way we see ourselves and how we treat ourselves.
• The motivation you need to make healthy choices in life.
• A safe place for you to share self-reflection.
• The gift that keeps giving.
• A way that cultivates a mindset of gratitude.
Finally, self-love is often times taught to us as children and as we grow, we begin to nurture everything within us, both good and bad.
Now, here’s something to think about. Self-love, self-respect, self-worth, self-care. What do these words have in common? There is a reason they all start with “self” because you cannot find them in anyone else.
Clear your mind and think about the questions below:
• Do you say yes when you really mean no?
• Do you seem to break promises to yourself often?
• Do you neglect your self-care routine over and over again?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to self-evaluate your life right now and begin to embrace self-love once again.
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To begin with, here’s a great way to get started on your self-love adventure:
• Find some ME TIME
• Write in your journal
• Read an inspirational book
• Take a long walk and enjoy nature
• Exercise or do yoga
• Take a nap
• Relax and do nothing
WAYS TO EMBRACE SELF-LOVE
What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. – Buddha
Before you can receive love and respect from others, you need to love and respect yourself. Keep in mind, self-love keeps us grounded and present. Self-love is not simply a state of feeling good, it is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth.
Here’s some ways to embrace self-love:
• Take time for yourself first thing in the morning and right before bed time. Pray, read God’s Word, write in your journal, read a book, drink a cup of coffee, meditate, do yoga, take a warm bath, etc.
• Exercise and don’t be afraid to mix it up. Exercise does the body good. Find something you love, but always try something new too. Do cardio one day and strength training another day.
• Give yourself more grace. Stop comparing yourself to others, but instead extend yourself grace.
• Tune out negative and toxic people. Limit your time and interaction with these people. Simply say no to the negativity and focus on the positivity in your life.
• Get plenty of sleep. Set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it – No Excuses!
• Don’t be shy and ask for help. Balance out your planner and daily tasks. Assign some stuff to your family or friends. Don’t feel guilty in doing so.
WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-LOVE
When I accept myself, I am freed from the burden of needing you to accept me. – Dr. Steve Maraboli
Moreover, self-love is important to living a well-balanced life. Would you agree? After all, everyone needs to practice self-love at some time or another, right? When we act in ways that expand self-love in us, we begin to accept ourselves more in the moment, have less need to explain away our short-comings, are more centered in our life purpose and values, and expect living fulfillment through our own efforts.
Here’s some ways to practice self-love:
• Become mindful. People who practice self-love often tend to know what they think, feel, and want. They are mindful of who they are and act on this knowledge, rather than on what others want for them.
• Create a self-care routine that you practice regularly. Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like nutrition, exercise, proper sleep, intimacy, and healthy social interactions.
• Set healthy boundaries. You’ll love yourself more when you set limits or say no to work, love, or activities that deplete you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Protect yourself at all times. Protect yourself by allowing the right people into your life.
• Forgive yourself. Practice being less hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Remember, there are no failures. There are only lessons learned.
• Live intentionally. Live with purpose and design. Make plans and accomplish what you set out to do. You need to establish your living intentions, to do this.
I have found that when I make time to practice self-love on a regular basis, I am a better wife, mom, friend, and co-worker. I am more disciplined throughout my day, feel rested, and ready to conquer the world.
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SELF-LOVE AFFIRMATIONS
You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone. – Maya Angelou
Like I’ve stated before, self-love is not selfish. You cannot love another person until you know how to love yourself. Work on being in love with the person in the mirror who has been through much, but is still standing.
Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud – I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart. Repeat this exercise at least 3 times per day.
Here’s some self-love affirmations that you can practice daily:
• I accept and approve myself completely here and now.
• I am healing more and more every day.
• I am surrounded by love and prosperity.
• I am worthy of all the blessings coming my way.
• I release all doubts and insecurities about myself.
• I am resilient and can get through anything.
• I am worthy of loving and being loved.
• I value myself.
• I am an unstoppable force.
• I am proud of who I am.
• I nourish my body with healthy food and exercise.
• I am beautiful, kind, and smart.
• I spread love to those around me and it returns in abundance.
Now, be creative and create your own self-love affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your daily pep talk in the morning and repeat them throughout the day. Remember, you cannot truly love another person until you know how to love yourself. Loving yourself enough to realize you deserve a happy and fulfilled life. Well, I challenge you today to practice self-love and appreciate yourself just the way you are. When you learn to love you, then others will love you the way you deserve to be loved in return.
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JOURNAL PROMPTS
Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do. – Brene Brown
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!
• How do you define self-love?
• What do you love most about your life?
• How can you love yourself more?
• Describe yourself positively in 10 words or less.
• What are you proud of yourself for today?
• How much do you truly love yourself?
• Write yourself a love letter. Make sure to talk yourself through a struggle.
• What is your self-care routine?
• How can you create space for self-love in your life right now and in the future?
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TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT
Let’s talk. Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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