If we are mindful of finding ways to make sure our own needs are met on every level, we are so much more capable of giving to those around us. And that's where the joy happens.
Before we get into the list I want to say one thing: self love isn't giving yourself a free pass to indulge in anything and everything you enjoy. Oftentimes, the things you feel like doing the least are the things that make you feel like your best self.
1. Create a list of 3 positive affirmations that feel good to you.
This is a simple but powerful way to practice loving yourself. Find affirmations that just feel good to say out loud, memorize them and repeat them. And lastly, don't give up. It might take some time to start really believing them, but when you do, you'll notice the difference. Here's a link to some great ones.
2. Be kind to yourself no matter what.
When you mess up, find the humor in the situation, learn from it and move on. Give yourself the same treatment and advice you'd give to your own child or best friend. Mistakes can be amazing opportunities for growth if we don't waste time beating ourselves up over them.
3. Make a love list.
You've probably made dozens of "to do" lists, writing out things that need to get done. But have you ever made a list of things that you'd love to get done? Not things that would necessarily make you feel accomplished, but are more likely to make you feel excited and inspired. Take some time to connect with your inner child and rediscover your true passions. The more you really know yourself, the faster you'll start to love yourself.
4. Speak up when there's something you need.
4. Speak up when there's something you need.
There are certain things we all need from our relationships in life. Whether it's a relationship with your significant other, friend or family member, if you feel like there's something more you'd like them to bring to the table don't be afraid to ask. They might not be willing or able to show up the way you need them to, but you'll feel better for having been brave enough to ask.
5. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you.
If you're surrounded by people who are constantly disappointing you, it's probably time to make new friends. Rewarding relationships are one of life's greatest gifts. You deserve to have the best of the best in your corner, but it's your job to find those people and nurture those relationships.
6. Learn to forgive.
I learned something long ago that has changed my life for the better ever since...forgiving someone is for your benefit, not theirs. Holding on to things that others have done to you only makes a bad situation worse. Forgiveness does not mean you have to continue to tolerate hurtful behavior. It simply means you choose to let go of the bad feelings those behaviors created so that you can go through life without carrying all that baggage.
7. Stop with the guilt already.
There's a fine line between feeling conviction and feeling guilty or ashamed. Conviction is seeing the error and taking some type of action to make it better. Guilt is nothing but an unproductive way of punishing ourselves. It can also sometimes lead to other behaviors that will make us feel even more guilty. So do what you can to right your wrongs, but don't get caught up in the vicious cycle of guilt.
Not only will doing these things make us feel better ourselves, the people we care about will also feel an impact.
Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments, and thanks for reading!
5. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you.
If you're surrounded by people who are constantly disappointing you, it's probably time to make new friends. Rewarding relationships are one of life's greatest gifts. You deserve to have the best of the best in your corner, but it's your job to find those people and nurture those relationships.
6. Learn to forgive.
I learned something long ago that has changed my life for the better ever since...forgiving someone is for your benefit, not theirs. Holding on to things that others have done to you only makes a bad situation worse. Forgiveness does not mean you have to continue to tolerate hurtful behavior. It simply means you choose to let go of the bad feelings those behaviors created so that you can go through life without carrying all that baggage.
7. Stop with the guilt already.
There's a fine line between feeling conviction and feeling guilty or ashamed. Conviction is seeing the error and taking some type of action to make it better. Guilt is nothing but an unproductive way of punishing ourselves. It can also sometimes lead to other behaviors that will make us feel even more guilty. So do what you can to right your wrongs, but don't get caught up in the vicious cycle of guilt.
Not only will doing these things make us feel better ourselves, the people we care about will also feel an impact.
Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments, and thanks for reading!
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