What does it truly mean to love yourself? I think we sometimes harp pretty harshly on ourselves and can talk so down to ourselves. We can find it easier to love others and not ourselves. I find myself questioning, would I say this to someone else? If my answer is definitely not, then I need to love myself more and show myself more grace.
Below I am sharing ways I am beginning to love myself more each day. Know that this is a journey, not an overnight snap of the finger type deal. It is not selfish for you to care for and love yourself. Just commit to it, so that you can see how truly loving yourself can transform you.
Embrace Everything About Yourself
Truly embrace who you are and everything about yourself. Learn your strengths and weaknesses. Learn your passions and where you fall short and the areas you need to work on. It is about finding the confidence inside to love all of yourself, especially the parts that might be different than those around you. You have something no one in the world has, so be confident in who you are.
Speak Kindly To Yourself
I love to speak truth over my life because it is so important to combat the lies that can overtake our minds. I will speak scripture over whatever the lie is and train my brain to think oppositely. This allows you to focus on the positive things you love about yourself, therefore removing the focus from the negative.
Things you do throughout your day can affect your mindset and energy level. Do things like increasing your water intake, getting enough sleep, being active when you can because your mental health and happiness will change. Being more active can mean taking a 5-minute break to get up from your desk and walk around. Make this work for you and your schedule. I truly believe will start to feel better all around.
I have a post on tips to staying active daily here!
Stop Comparing
What do you love to do and what are your passions? When you do the things you love, you are more fulfilled and happy. Find something you love and find time to do it because this will bring you more happiness and joy. It can be for 10 minutes, but that 10 minutes can help clear your mind and refresh you to be the best version of yourself!
Practice Self-Care As Often As You Need
This is the time you set aside for yourself. The time you need to fill your own cup so that you can better serve those around you. This could be going out alone or having a self-care day.
I have a full list of self-care ideas here!
Stop Caring What Others Think So Much
Be Gentle with Yourself
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself because we all make mistakes and fall short. Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself, but allow yourself to learn and do better next time.
Say No When Necessary
Sometimes we over-commit ourselves, therefore leaving us so fatigued at the end of the week or month. We get our schedules so full, but don’t have the time for our own mental health. Boundaries are essential. Say no when you need to because it is imperative to your health.
Spend time with yourself. Learn to appreciate yourself that same way you appreciate others. Embrace your quirks and the things you dislike about yourself. Learn to enjoy time spent with your own thoughts, instead of shying away from them.
Truly hope that each of you is on your own journey to loving yourself in the best way you can.
Carrie Bradshaw said it best when she stated “don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first.”
xx,
Ashley
I am so grateful to Ell for inspiring me to look at myself and find more ways to love myself.
Related Reading / 5 Ways To Love Yourself Better
Excellent tips!
Thank you!