Self Known

Do you ever feel like something is gradually getting harder to do because you're not in the same place you were when you first started it? Every month or few months I get into this phase I'm going to call a "Drudge". In this this 1 to 3 week phase, which can further be divided into 3 parts, I become a real drudgery to be around. I become lost—emotionally, spiritually, mentally and sometimes physically (part 1). I realize that I'm lost and needy so I cry about it, flail and talk myself down while trying to fix the problem at the same time (part 2). Then: divine intervention (part 3). The one thing my mind needed to calm down or my heart needed to be brought back into reality or my worries needed to be relieved is said, read, realized or remembered. And it's like I'm being reborn. I shed the skin of doubt and inner betrayal and I see the world with a fresher perspective. I reevaluate, adjust and replenish. The weight of the world falls from my

1. Take the first step. 2. Write a love letter to yourself. 3. Deal with the inner critics. xx Nicole Rose

Guys. Gals. Internet friends. I think we should collectively admit it. We all talk to ourselves. Whether it be internally or externally, we communicate with ourselves. Sometimes it’s called thoughts or thinking. Sometimes it’s called internal conversation. I like to call the negative self-talk my inner critiques . Inner dialogue is something that plays a huge role in your level of love for yourself. What you think is essentially what you have to say - it’s what you believe. My pastor put it a great way: The way you think leads to the way you feel which leads to the way you act. Here’s a negative example. Maria doubts her capabilities. She tells herself that no matter what she tries to do, she will always fail. (I’m a failure. I suck. I can’t do anything right.) This makes her feel miserable and ultimately, unworthy of success. These thoughts and feelings are then reinforced by how she decides to take action. She starts an online shop, but no one buys her products. She

I'm sure many of us are aware that tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Especially all the "forever alone" single people out there. Because you've heard your friends planning their weekends, talking about the gifts they've bought and how much fun the day's going to be. Sometimes it gets on our nerves, right? I mean, I personally think that someone's crossed a line if they openly discuss chocolate (which they clearly aren't going to give you) right in front of you. But mostly the day brings this general feeling of sadness because we feel very lonely. And let's face it. We're jealous too. Which is okay. It's quite natural to want to have someone you love give you chocolate you're allowed to eat. But when the jealousy and bitter feelings get too intense, your good day can end up turning bad. So here are some tips on how to be happy on Valentine's Day (singles addition). 1. Realize You're single . Which is not a s

To my dear, blooming Rose - Attached to this letter is not only my love, but my gratitude, thankfulness and a small box of decadent dark chocolates. I would've had flowers delivered too, but no measly plant could ever compare or express my feelings toward you. Ahh, my dear. You are my truest bundle of joy. It does not matter what mood you are in - you light up my day in the most wonderful of ways. Your smile makes the sun jealous. Your embrace makes me feel full. Your laughter - so thick and loud - makes me want to laugh too. What I love most is when you are truly and purely being yourself - because that's who you're meant to be. With much love and kisses blown with a wink, Your Secret Admirer PS: Maybe we could share those chocolates later, eh? + + + When you need some uplifting, write yourself a love letter. Be silly and positive. Analyze yourself. Amp up your best qualities. De-sock your feet as you write and wiggle your toes as your write (then put yo

When I originally had the idea for this piece of writing I’m about to share with you, I was in a place of transition. I didn’t know my place in the world, I didn’t know if I was worth it and I certainly didn’t feel like I could love myself. Here I am almost a year later, an example of how this works - if you choose to put it into practice. You can improve and learn to love yourself. You can take the steps that bring you into a better place. I won’t say it was easy and I certainly won’t say I had overnight success, but when you learn to fight your battles one at a time, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come. Are you ready to take the first step? Self Love: Step one I have always been a timid person. I’ve always had trouble keeping the standards I have for myself something below what I deem “perfect”. I enjoy discipline and when I don’t know what to do or my world is shaken, I’m hard on myself. That’s just who I am. With that said, I've always felt