DO YOU LOVE YOURSELF?

This is what we want to ask ourselves this February. This is when we celebrate love for each other but do you love YOURSELF?

Do you look in the mirror and love what you see? Do you have the confidence in your self which allows you to meet each situation head on? Is each day full of joy and happiness?

As a Life Coach, I find this to be one of the fundamental reasons for a lot of emotional and mental problems that my clients present with.

Here are 13 Habits of Self-Love that we can start adopting today!

1. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

We are programmed to be competitive, so comparing ourselves to others is natural. But it can also be dangerous. There’s no point in comparing yourself to anyone else on the planet because there’s only one you. Focus, rather on yourself and your journey. Your life's journey is your path to fulfilling your purpose. The shift of energy, alone with this process alone helps you feel free.

 

2. DON'T WORRY ABOUR OTHER'S OPINIONS

In that same vein, don’t worry about what society thinks or expects of you. You can’t make everyone happy, so this is a waste of time and will only slow you down on your journey to being the best you.

 

3. ALLOW YOURSELF TO MAKE MISTAKES

We’re told again and again from a young age “nobody’s perfect, everyone makes mistakes.” But the older you get, the more pressure you feel never to fail. Cut yourself some slack! Make mistakes so you can learn and grow from them. Embrace your past. You’re constantly changing and growing from who you once were into who you are today and who you will be one day.

So, forget about that voice in your head that says you need to be perfect. Make mistakes — lots of them! The lessons you’ll gain are priceless.

 

4. YOUR VALUE DOES NOT LIE IN THE WAY YOU LOOK

This is fundamental! So many things in the world want to distract you from this powerful truth. Sometimes even your own internalized sexism affirms your thoughts of inadequacy. You are valuable because you are you, not because of your body.

So, wear what makes you feel good. If it’s a lot or if it’s a little, wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and happy.

 

5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET GO OF TOXIC PEOPLE

Not everybody takes responsibility for the energy they put out into the world. If there’s someone who is bringing toxicity into your life and they won’t take responsibility for it, that might mean you need to step away from them. Don’t be afraid to do this. It’s liberating and important, even though it may be painful.

Remember: Protect your energy. It’s not rude or wrong to remove yourself from situations or the company of people who are draining you.

 

6. PROCESS YOUR FEARS

Feeling afraid is natural and human. Don’t reject your fears — understand them. This healthy exercise can really help with your mental health. Interrogating and evaluating your fears helps you to gain clarity and unmask issues in your life that were causing you anxiety. That, in turn, can help alleviate some — if not all — of your anxiety.

 

7. TRUST YOURSELF ENOUGH TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF

We so often doubt ourselves and our ability to do what’s right, when most of the time we know in our hearts what’s best for us. Remember that your feelings are valid. You’re not losing touch with reality. You know yourself better than anyone else, so be your best advocate.

 

8. TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT LIFE PRESENTS TO YOU

The timing is never going to be perfect for that next big step in your life. The set up may not be ideal, but that shouldn’t hold you back from reaching to meet your goals and dreams. Instead, seize the moment because it may never come back.

 

9. PUT YOURSELF FIRST (this is my favourite)