Self Known

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

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 ...

What makes you happy? Caffeine at six in the morning? Whipped yogurt that tastes like key lime pie? Water sipped from your favorite glass? How about that book you read? The one with the ending that made you cry. When I ask this question, and when you ask yourself this question, you should be sitting down on your bed, or holed up in a cozy corner. You should be lying awake at night, studying the ceiling full of faintly glowing sticker stars your parents put up there for you when you were six. You should be ready to close your eyes and get deep with yourself. You should be prepared to roll onto your left side, then your right side, then roll onto your back before shifting onto your belly. You should want to know the answer. "What makes me happy?" When pursuing happiness, you have to want it. You have to want it with a fiery passion. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone - away from your fear - and into what's right for you. Whatever that may be...