This post is similar to “5 Ways to Hold Space for Yourself”, but I thought I’d make a post specifically on self love.
What is self love?
Having self love doesn’t men being self-absorbed and narcissistic. Self love simply means being comfortable with who you are and with what you stand for, so that you don’t allow people or situations to disturb your inner peace. It means taking care of yourself, showing up for yourself, and treating yourself the way you’d like to be treated.
Why is self love important?
Self love is important because everything begins with you; your perspective, decisions, how you spend your time, and how you allow people to treat you - beings with you. You can’t expect others to show up for yourself if you don’t show up for yourself. You can’t serve others if you’re running on empty. Loving and taking care of yourself allows you to better serve others.
Here are 7 ways to practice self care:
1. START THE DAY OFF BY TELLING YOURSELF SOMETHING POSITIVE
Listen to your favorite song while you’re getting ready, look into the mirror, and tell yourself at least three thing that you love about yourself. I meditate every morning, so while in bed, I’ll go over a few things that I’m grateful for about myself. How you start and end your day is important, which I’ll get to later.
2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE, ENCOURAGES, AND INSPIRES YOU
This was really tough for me because as I evolved, my circle of friends dwindled down, but in time, I was able to find my “tribe”. If you have to dim your light and be someone other than your true self around certain people, then they aren’t your “tribe”. As long as you have at least one person to hold space for you, that is something to be grateful for and can make a huge impact on your life. Quality over quantity.
3. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE
There isn’t anyone on this planet or universe made exactly like you. You are truly unique. Own it. Don’t try to be like others and rob the world of your unique and special talents that only you can contribute to the world.
4. END ALL TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS
This rides off of #2. If you feel crappy after being around someone, family or friend, choose your well being. If it’s a family member or friend that you can’t completely avoid, you can start off by distancing yourself from them until you feel strong enough to be around them without allowing them to disturb your peace. While you’re distancing yourself from them, meditate and imagine the Violet Flame cutting the emotional cord or ties between the two of you. Forgive them and thank them for the experiences and release the energy. You might have to do this a few times, but it does help as cutting emotional cord/ties will prevent them from affecting/draining your energy and it allows for new beginnings instead of being trapped in the past.
5. CELEBRATE YOUR WINS NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL
Keep your vibration high by celebrating and being grateful for every small win. Don’t wait until you’ve reach your destination to celebrate - enjoy the journey and allow yourself to savor the moment. You deserve it. By celebrating the small wins, you’re acknowledging and appreciating every effort you’re taking to get to your goal. It’ll help boost your self-confidence and motivation.
6. PRACTICE SELF CARE
This is a given if you’re practicing self love, but to be more specific - take at least an hour each day to do something you enjoy. You can meditate, paint, read, or take a spiritual bath. This allows you to recharge yourself.
7. END YOUR DAY WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
As I stated in #1, how you begin and end your day is important, which is why I made this its own point. Go to bed with a clear mind and clear heart. I have a whole routine before going to sleep. I go over positive things that happened that day and things that I’m grateful for. I relish in the feeling of being grateful and allow it raise my vibration. Then I call back my energy from the people and situations whether it was positive or negative. Calling back your energy restores your connection with your body and helps you feel more centered. I’ll write about calling your energy back in another post.
All of this takes time, so don’t be hard on yourself if your self criticizing thoughts creep in. Remind yourself that you are loved and deserving of your goals. Treat yourself the way you want to be treated and the universe will follow. Keep practicing and it’ll get easier with time.
Many blessings,
