Hey, you! We know what you’re thinking … Not another article on loving yourself, right? I mean, really? The timing couldn’t be worse! Now, when all you can think about is how much you loathe the body you’re in!
A few months ago you were thinner, fitter, healthier … you felt good about yourself; your goal weight was finally in sight. BUT somewhere along the way you’ve lost steam, and well, here you are once again … not happy.
We live in a world where admiring others is upfront and personal; we see the best of others through their Instagram feed and frown upon our own lives for being less perfect, less picturesque, less admirable, less successful … just LESS.
Are you constantly judging your tracksuit and ice cream on the couch day with someone else’s red carpet moment? How do you accept and “love” the “warts and all”? And most of all, why would you want to do that?
Happiness … yes, that’s it! True, loving yourself is great but accepting yourself is the first, hardest, and most crucial milestone. So, be kind and accepting to yourself, for who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Never be ashamed of yourself, of the body that carried you though the greatest, hardest journey of your life thus far. You did a good thing, the two of you!
Practising self-love and acceptance is not about being self-absorbed or narcissistic; it’s about getting in touch with ourselves, our well-being and our happiness. It is the foundation on which we build a happy life.
Not sure on how to jump-start your journey to self-acceptance? Here we go:
- Embrace you quirks. You are one of 7 billion perfectly imperfect humans!
- Give up the need for approval from others. “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be people who hates peaches” – Dita von Teese.
- Accept yourself; the good, the bad and the smelly – all of it – appreciate yourself as a whole person.
- Find your happy place and visit it often.
- Be gentle to yourself. Forgive yourself for mistakes in the past; you can change the future.
- Honour your needs. Do you need a day off from work? Maybe a long hot bath? Some pampering?
- Do something you’re good at. If you love to cook, then cook! If you love to run, grab those sneakers, head outside and run for your life.
- Stand back from your thoughts. Not all thoughts should be believed.
- Fill your body with food and drink that nourishes it and make it thrive.
- Move your gorgeous body every single day and love the skin you’re in.
- Surround yourself only with people that love and encourage you. Let them remind you how amazing you are.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Turn inwards. Grab a coffee or a glass of wine, sit back and be grateful for the wonderful things in your life right now.
Turns out that self-love and acceptance is an inside job! And yes, it is truly possible to live from the most passionate, rambunctious part of your core. No, you’re not okay, you’re spectacular!
So, during the month of love; be kind to yourself, and to others.
Source: books.google.co.za, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.lifehack.org, www.huffingtonpost.com, galadarling.com, tinybuddha.com, www.positivityblog.com, www.mindbodygreen.com, www.psychologytoday.com, www.worlofwanderlust.com
