Let 2023 be the year that you fall in love with yourself, because the way you love yourself sets the tone for how others will.
Self love is an incredibly important aspect of our lives that is often overlooked or dismissed.
It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, fall into the trap of scrolling on social media and to focus on the external expectations and standards that society places on us. But it is so crucial to remember to prioritize taking care of ourselves and loving ourselves, as this is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life.
So, what is self love? Our mothers have been telling us to "love ourselves" since the beginning of time, or what that just my mother? and if I'm honest, it wasn't something I fully understood until well into my 40's. Simply put, self love it is the act of treating ourselves with kindness, compassion, and respect. It means acknowledging our own worth and value as human beings, and taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Self love is not about being selfish or arrogant. It is about recognizing and honoring our own needs and desires, and taking steps to meet them in a healthy and positive way. It is about setting boundaries and speaking up for ourselves when we need to, and not sacrificing our own well-being for the sake of others.
Realizing our own worth and value as human beings can be a challenging process, especially in a world that often values external appearances and material possessions over inner qualities and personal growth. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, and feeling like we are not good enough or that we do not measure up.
But the truth is, every single one of us is unique and valuable in our own way. We each have our own strengths, talents, and qualities that make us special and deserving of love and respect. It is important to remember that our worth is not determined by external factors such as our job, our looks, or our possessions. Our worth is inherent, and it is something that no one can take away from us. We are as worthy as we decide ourselves to be.
So, how can we cultivate self love and realize our own worth and value? Here are a few tips to get you started:
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Practice self-compassion: Instead of being hard on ourselves and dwelling on our mistakes, try to practice self-compassion. Speak to yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Remember that we all make mistakes, and that it is okay to be imperfect.
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Set boundaries: It is important to set healthy boundaries in our relationships, both with ourselves and with others. This means saying no when we need to, and not sacrificing our own well-being for the sake of others. It also means taking care of ourselves and making sure we have time for self-care and rest.
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Engage in activities that bring you joy: Do activities that make you feel good about yourself and bring you joy. This can be anything from hobbies and sports, to volunteering and helping others. When we engage in activities that bring us fulfillment and happiness, it helps to boost our self-esteem and sense of worth.
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Surround yourself with positive influences: The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our self-worth and self-esteem. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and avoid toxic or negative influences.
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Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things we are grateful for can help to shift our perspective and improve our mental well-being. Try writing down three things you are grateful for each day, no matter how small they may seem.
Self love is not something that we can achieve overnight, and it is a journey that requires ongoing effort and practice. But by making a conscious effort to prioritize our own well-being and realizing our own worth and value as human beings, we can lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Remember, you are worthy and deserving of love and respect – never forget that.
Sending you so much love,
Amanda - Chief Worthiness Officer Worthy Wands