It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary. – Mandy Hale

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s welcome February in with a discussion centered around self-love. When I think of February, I immediately think about Valentine’s Day and the concept of buying gifts for the people we love. But a thought came across my mind this week. What about spending some quality time this month focusing on self-love?

Self-love is taught to us as children and as we grow, we begin to nurture everything within us, both good and bad. Self-love requires you to be honest about your current choices and thought patterns. Remember, self-love is not a selfish act, but instead it forces you to undertake new practices and ways of thinking that reflects your self-worth.

WHAT IS SELF-LOVE

Self-love is the source of all other loves. – Pierre Corneille

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, self-love can be defined as an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. In other words, self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth.

Self-love can also mean:

• Having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness.
• Not settling for less than you deserve.
• A transparent way that cultivates a mindset of gratitude.
• The way we see ourselves and how we treat ourselves.
• Having a safe place for you to share self-reflection moments.
• Taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – SELF-LOVE WORKBOOK FRO WOMEN

SELF-LOVE EXAMPLES

To love yourself is to understand you don’t need to be perfect to be good. – Unknown Author

Now, here’s something else to think about. Self-love, self-respect, self-worth, self-care…What does all these words have in common? There is a reason why they all start with “self” because you can’t find them in anyone else. You cannot truly love another person until you know how to love yourself. I challenge you today to appreciate yourself just the way you are and then strive to become better each day. When you learn to love you, then others will love you the way you deserve to be loved in return.

Here’s some self-love examples to help you get started on this journey:

• Prioritize yourself and designate time to do things that make you happy.
• Spend quality time with people who make you smile and laugh.
• Give yourself a break from self-judgement.
• Speak to yourself in a positive and loving manner.
• Trust yourself enough to make the right choices and decisions.
• Always be true to yourself and respect your values.
• Set healthy boundaries in all of your relationships.
• Show yourself some grace and forgive yourself often.
• Read an inspirational book or listen to an uplifting podcast.
• Give yourself a positive pep talk each day by reciting affirmations.
• Spend time reflecting on your life while writing in your journal.

Never lose sight of the main goal here. Loving yourself enough to pause and reset from time to time is necessary for you to continue your personal growth journey. Why you ask? Because you deserve a happy and fulfilled life.

WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-LOVE

You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone. – Maya Angelou

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 shortcomings, 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.
• Calm your mind. Spend time in prayer, meditation, reading, or writing. You can try writing in your journal, walking outside, practicing breathing exercises or yoga.
• 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.
• Step outside your comfort zone. Never be afraid to step out and try new things.
• 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.
• Celebrate wins, both big and small. Always cherish and celebrate everything good that happens in your life.
• Accept compliments. Don’t be shy. If someone gives you a compliment, accept it and know that you are worthy to be admired.
• Cultivate a positive and safe place. Take time to clean and declutter your area. Then, add finishing touches to your space, such as new lighting, scented candles, plants, etc.
• 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.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – SELF-LOVE POETRY

SELF-LOVE AFFIRMATIONS

Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. – Brene Brown

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 so much in life 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 additional self-love affirmations that you can practice reciting each day:

• I value myself and I am proud of who I am.
• I am beautiful, kind, and smart.
• I am an unstoppable force.
• I accept 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 nourish my body with healthy food and exercise.
• I deserve to love myself and to be loved by others.
• I have the ability to overcome any challenge in my life.
• I have the power to change my own story one page at a time.
• 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, when we love ourselves, it helps us feel our best in the inside, and when we feel our best, we can give more to those around us. I truly hope that I’ve given you some inspiration to become a better person within your own skin.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – A SELF-LOVE JOURNAL

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first. – Carrie Bradshaw

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 improve your attitude and appreciate yourself more?
• How much do you truly love yourself?
• What do your loved ones admire about you?
• 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?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. How do you plan to practice self-love? What are some of your favorite self-love affirmations? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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