How to Begin Your Self-Love Journey This Year

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 like I was not allowed to love myself. I felt like saying I was cool or awesome was for some silly reason. Forbidden. I thought people would shun me if I voiced fondness toward myself. This, I think, led me to the course of thinking well, maybe I'm not as great as I originally thought. Maybe I'm annoying... Or weird... Maybe I'm not-- And so on.

I am now eighteen years old and I've changed my view on this completely.

Click to Tweet: “Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.” - Aberjhani

Self love is a rare gift, especially in its purest state. It’s not something that comes off as “Oh, look at me! Look at how loveable I am!” No. Just no. Self love when you make a mistake and instead of bashing yourself and lowering your own self-worth, you hold your chin up and say, “Hey, it’s okay. I made a mistake and proved I was human again. No biggy. Let’s learn from this and move on.”

Self love isn’t narcissistic. It’s something we’re entitled to. You hear that?

WE ARE ALL ENTITLED TO SELF LOVE!

If you take a moment and vow to be a little more forgiving, a little less harsh on yourself, don’t you think that it would take an unneeded weight off your shoulders? I urge you to allow yourself to love yourSELF. You are a great, amazing, fantastic human being! You’re breathing! You’re full of hidden talents others will be delighted to see! You’re the only you this world will ever come to know, and as soon as you realize that... gosh, things will start feel so much better. I can guarantee that.

“But... How do I love myself?”

Take the first step. Start with a simple hug. Wrap your arms around yourself, give your torso a tight squeeze. Rub your sides and smile. Kiss your shoulders and spin around. Keep doing this. Do it every day. Remind yourself to let down your stubborn walls and silence your inner critics so that you can live the life you deserve.

Self Love: Step two

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 (your favorite kind). 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 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?

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What is a great exercise for getting the self love flowing? Taking the time to write yourself a love letter.

How to write a love letter (to yourself)

1. Be silly and positive.
2. Analyze yourself.
3. Amp up your best qualities.
4. De-sock your feet as you write and wiggle your toes as your write.
5. Get a big thick blanket and curl up under with a flashlight.
6. Laugh at yourself.
7. Poetry works. Like, really sappy, intense, rhymes flying everywhere poetry.
8. Have fun.

Once your letter is done, seal it up in an envelope or just crumple it up and place it on your desk. No matter how bad, silly or weird you think it is, DO NOT throw it away. Open it up and read it as many times as you need. Remember how you felt when you were writing it. Let new feelings develop as you read it again.

TODAY’S ACTION STEPS:

1. Stand up and hug yourself. Right now.
2. Sit back down and take five minutes or more to write a love letter to yourself.

Also, make sure to use those share buttons below and send this out to a friend you know needs a little bit of lovin’. :)

Remember to take care and love yo’self. <3