The most important relationship we will ever hold is the one we hold with ourselves. We start and end each day in our own company and we will live a lifetime in our own presence. So it is essential we create a relationship with ourselves built to last with love and trust. There are a multitude of ways to give love to ourselves, but these are my top 5 favorite ways.
Be easy on yourself.
We all make mistakes. We are not perfect beings in a perfect world. But this doesn’t mean we have to hold onto these mistakes forever. We are not defined by our past, by our indiscretions and mess ups. We come out the other side better beings with more character. We must learn to forgive and let go in order to move forward. So be kind to yourself and focus on your strengths to draw more of that into your being.
No more judgement.
Easier said than done, I know! But showing yourself love means not comparing yourself to others. We are all on our own paths, in our own time, in our own way. We cannot measure ourselves against anyone else because we are the only ones who truly know what it is like to be us. We must honor and lift up our individuality and see it as beautiful, unique and magical. Because we are!
Tune IN.
Listen and honor what your mind and body are telling you. Take some time to really listen and digest what you feel. Notice the emotions that come up when you think about your relationships, routine, work life, activities, passions and so on. Take note of what makes you feel good—like really good. And what doesn’t. Once you tune in, you will be able to apply this adequately. Do more of what you love and less of what you don’t.
A little less yes, a little more ME.
If you're like me, saying yes to everyone and everything, saying no can feel scary. But saying no to others means saying YES to yourself. One of the most important ways of showing love to yourself is by respecting your mind + body + soul with TIME. Take a bath. Go for a walk. Lay down for a nap. Go to the spa. Sit at the park. Eat a delicious meal. Watch a movie. Buy a new yoga outfit. Go on an adventure. Even the smallest of gestures shows yourself your needs matter.
Think Positively.
Thoughts are like seeds. They plant themselves into your mind and begin to form into deeper notions through actions that then mold our character. The saying goes, "we are our thoughts." Well, be kind with your thoughts. Use affirmations like “I am worthy. I am strong. I believe in me. or I love you,” to kick start your thought pattern. I like to do this upon waking up because it begins my day on the sunny side.
Showing love to ourselves simply means cultivating a lifestyle we are in love with. Using these methods to build trust and connection, we will be well on our way to forming a deeper, loving relationship with ourselves.
About the Author
Tiffany Blackham is a YogaClub Tribe Leader, avid yogi, mom of 3, health & wellness advocate and creator of stonefoxfeather- a line of healing delights. She loves sharing her insights and daily doses of inspiration on living a life full of passion, balance, and soulful exchanges. More about Tiffany and her company can be found on her website TiffanyBlackham.com.
