Borrowing the words of Buddha – “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
It’s strange how in just a heartbeat we can fall head over heels in love with a perfect stranger, but yet we fail miserably at loving ourselves.
Self-love is a concept that never came easy to me. I have always been uncomfortable in my own skin and sometimes I can’t help but compare myself to others who i supposedly believe are prettier, smarter, and more popular than me. Sometimes I wish I could wake up as somebody else. Anybody else. But me.
It breaks my heart to write this.
Today, the majority of the time, I come off as bubbly, positive, and confident. It hasn’t been easy getting here. I used to struggle; I still struggle but over time, I have come to be a bit more accepting of myself. It’s not something that happened overnight. It has taken years of facing my fears and trying to believe in myself no matter what.
If I can learn to love and accept myself, I believe with all my heart that you can too.
And you must.
– You are enough
You’re so used to being you, that some how you are blind to your own light and can’t see yourself the way others see you. You are lovely, and you are kind. You are smart, you are funny, you are brave, and you are brilliant. You are magic, and you are raw beauty.
Whoever you are, wherever you are, I want you to believe and know that you are enough. Contrary to what anyone says; contrary to your inner critic, you are so much more than enough.
– Forgive yourself & others
Don’t be so brutal on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes are a valuable way to learn and grow – so please, make plenty. Forgive those who have hurt you and caused you pain and make room for more love.
– Do what makes gives you joy
We only get one shot at life. One opportunity to make a difference; one opportunity to chase our dreams; one opportunity to write an incredible legacy; one opportunity to dream big and one opportunity to truly live. Leave no room for regrets.
– No one is perfect
You may think that your friend or neighbor has the perfect life because of what you see outwardly. But the truth is, you don’t know their journey; you don’t know what they may be facing now. The perfect life doesn’t exist. There is great freedom that comes with this realization.
– Look inwards
Don’t look for love in a friend, or a partner. Because nobody is meant to complete you. You are meant to be whole on your own. If you’re ever in need of love, look within you. Everything you need is here.
– Tell yourself you’re beautiful
This may just as well be the hardest part yet. But it’s the most important. Wherever you might be right now – find a mirror, in your handbag, on your wall, or even on your phone. Study the person staring back at you. Think of everything you’ve been through that has led you to this moment. Think of all your accomplishments, your successes, and your fondest memories. Think about everything you’ve faced, and overcome. Think about all of the things that you like about yourself. All of the qualities that make you so incredibly special.
Wherever you might be right now, I want you to look in to the nearest mirror, and say, “I am beautiful.” Say it more than once, say it over and over, shout it, sing it, embody it.
– Practice gratitude
Life itself is a gift that not many in the grave can boast of. Do you have any idea how amazing it is right now that you are alive? That you are able to read this? It’s a huge miracle. Seek for things to be grateful for and you’ll find greater joy and fulfillment in your life.
– Find your people
Spend time with people who challenge and inspire you to be a better version of yourself; people who will always tell you the truth no matter how bitter; people who will lift you up. When you surround yourself with these kindred spirits, their thoughts, feelings, and energy will transfer to you.
– Take yourself on a date
There is no better way to show yourself some much needed attention and love, than to plan and take yourself out on a solo date. Don’t be afraid of your own company. Spending quality time with yourself is the best way to practice self-love.
– Honour & cherish who you are
“Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
You are you, and your ‘you’ is beautiful. Don’t let the world dull your shine. Don’t try and change the real you, in order to fit into other people’s skewed views of what is ‘normal’, ‘acceptable’, or ‘beautiful’.
You do you.
