We’re often not taught the importance of self-love early in life. Something, I believe should change. Luckily, it has become more popular to talk about which will be beneficial for generations to come, specifically women.
Unfortunately, many women including myself, find ourselves learning too late that we must get validation from ourselves and not from external sources. If we rely on others for our worth, we often fall vulnerable to manipulation.
This idea at first can seem daunting but if we practice self-love a little bit every day we can undo life-long habits and create new ones that bring us more joy and light into our life.
1.) Start by getting comfortable being alone with yourself. Turn off distractions like social media or TV and learn to relax by yourself. Stay home on a Friday night and have fun by yourself. (trust me it’s possible)
2.) Practice daily affirmations. I love writing daily self-love affirmations because it shifts your mindset and improves your attitude overall.
3.) Find hobbies and stick to them. Not only can you build new skills this way but you spend your time doing something you love which itself brings you more joy in life.
Hobby Ideas:
- Cooking/Baking
- Writing (Write a blog!)
- Knitting/Sewing
- Learning a musical instrument
- Do puzzles
- Read
- Photography
- Painting
- Gardening
- DIY Crafts
- Active Hobbies: Running, Yoga, Golf, Hiking, Tennis, Karate, Fishing, Cycling
4.) As I mentioned previously, find healthy hobbies that get you moving a couple of times a week. Feel good inside and out. I love what Lizzo says about working out, “It may come as a surprise to y’all that I’m not working out to have your ideal body type. I’m working out to have my ideal body type. And you know what type that is? None of your f*cking business!”
5.) Create solid female friendships. Surround yourself with strong, amazing women that bring you love and laughter. You are who you attract yourself with.
6.) Treat yourself like you’ve been treating everyone else. Get yourself a coffee, give yourself a spa day, go to therapy, clean your house so future you is happy. Or let yourself have just one day off.
7.) Have goals for your life and go for them. They don’t have to be huge, “I wanna be CEO!” goals. They can be small and simple if you want. Just remember, if you don’t prioritize life, someone else will.
8.) Be selfish!!! No one owes you anything. You are your own person and you deserve an amazing life and sometimes that means saying no to things that don’t bring you joy. One of my favorite quotes is from Oprah, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” Life is short. Ask for what you want because YOU DESERVE IT!
Repeat after me: I love myself, I am worthy, and I am enough.
