Permission
Self-love is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, encompassing acceptance, compassion, and kindness towards ourselves.
But it can be hard right?
But you know, it is the foundation for building healthy relationships, achieving personal goals, and experiencing life with authenticity and fulfillment. While self-love can manifest in various ways unique to each of us, there are universal practices that can nurture this vital inner compass. Here are some effective ways to show yourself self-love:
- Practice Self-compassion: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks. Instead of dwelling on past errors or criticizing yourself harshly, extend compassion and understanding. Embrace the concept of “gentle self-parenting” where you treat yourself with kindness and understanding similar to how you would treat a loved one.
- Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Notice when your inner critic starts to chip away at your self-esteem. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments, and unique value. Engage in self-talk that is supportive, encouraging, and empowering. Keeping a journal is such a good way of venting out our inner critic.
- Accept Yourself Unconditionally: You are a magnificent being with all your flaws and imperfections. True Story! Embracing your authentic self, quirks and all, fosters self-acceptance and inner peace. Celebrate your individuality and recognize that your worth lies in who you are, not in what you possess or achieve.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Ok, I have to hold my hand up to this one and tell you this I found hard until I truly loved myself. Nourish your body with nutritious food, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Make it a priority to prioritize your physical and mental well-being.
- Practice Mindfulness: As a qualified meditation teacher, this on has to be on the list, Take time each day to focus on the present moment. Engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or simply taking mindful walks in nature. Mindfulness helps reduce stress, cultivate inner peace, and enhance self-awareness. I teach a 3 minute practice, for free, every month, to anyone who struggles with this. So call / text / email me if you would like to learn mindfulness the easy way without hours of practice.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Establish clear limits for what you are willing to accept in your relationships and personal life. Learn to say “no” to requests that drain your energy or compromise your well-being. Protecting your boundaries demonstrates self-respect and self-worth. And be aware of when you want to say yes too!
- Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude really is the key to absolute joy and happiness, yes, I am serious. Without appreciating what we have, it is impossible to call in more of what we love. So, regularly express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life, both big and small. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the blessings you possess, fostering a sense of appreciation and inner contentment.
- Seek Support: Find it hard to reach out and ask for help? What a beautiful act of self love… to get some help as opposed to struggle and beat yourself up or feel frustrated. It is a blessing in life to have people around us who uplift and empower us.
- Embrace Personal Growth: Yep, it gets ugly at times, it can be painful to acknowledge our blind spots and take ownership for our part in stuff. But continuously striving to learn, grow, and expand our horizons really is liberating, and isn’t liberation a form of self love? I love engaging in activities that stimulate my mind and challenge my perspectives. It took me a while (maybe 40 years!) however now I embrace the process of personal growth and self-discovery and I am a much happier person for it.
- Celebrate Your Accomplishments: celebrate walking up the stairs, celebrate making breakfast, celebrate it all! Recognise and appreciate your achievements, no matter how big or small. Celebration fills us with the feeling of joy, and isn’t joy one of the best parts of love?
My love, self-love is a journey, not a destination. Be patient, be gentle and as you nurture self-love, you’ll cultivate inner strength, resilience, and a sense of worthiness that will enrich all aspects of your life.
Love Tara x