Baby steps to self-love
At the end of a long day, lying down in the darkness. You are too fed up to even sigh once. Another exhausted day. A thousand of things in your mind.
You have spent your whole life running & running. Chasing things. When you look back there are so many relying on you. So again, you decide to keep running even though you want to stop. But in your long run when was the last time you said “ I love you” to yourself.
You must think learning to love yourself will be the hardest thing you ever do in your life. Yes, self-love is difficult and requires courage to accept the hard truth. but it’s always possible. It’s important to fight for your happiness. Because you are the one person that you’ll always be with. I’m not asking you to change yourself overnight. Instead, focus on making baby steps, small changes. Overtime, those small changes will add up. Cause life is a series of baby steps.
01. Learn to be honest with yourself
Being honest with yourself is more difficult. But you can never fool yourself. Pretending to be someone for sake of somebody is not healthy at all. You know, it’s okay to show your true colors. Because your true colors are not dark or gloomy. Your true colors are colorful and beautiful. Just like you. When you start to open up to yourself you will be proud of who you are and will accept your weaknesses and flaws.
02. Forgiving yourself
Why is forgiving yourself a lot harder than forgiving others? Because you always have an idea about yourself, like need to be the ‘’perfect person”. But the truth is, no one in this world is picture perfect. We all screw up. We all makes mistakes. Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes. It’s okay to admit you’re flawed. Admitting your flaws and weaknesses that gives us the strength and the opportunity to face them. But the most important thing is you can learn from your mistakes. Take responsibility for your actions. It’s completely normal, to feel guilty or shame. But don’t beat yourself up over it. You can grow and learn from your past. Because even mistakes mean you’re trying.
03. Accept yourself for who you are.
Am I good enough? The answer to this question is, yes you are. You are more than enough. You have been criticizing yourself for years, now It’s time to embrace your insecurities. It can take a long time. But trust me it’s worth it. You may think everyone is better than you are, but the truth is everyone has their own weaknesses and fears they want to hide. Don’t forget the fact that we all are human. So, don’t try to compare yourself to others. There is only one of you in this entire world. You are unique and special. With or without those weaknesses and insecurities you’re still awesome. Just the way you are.
04. Sometimes it’s okay to say No.
You don’t need to say yes, all the time. It’s okay to say no once in a while. Love yourself enough to set boundaries. I know it’s harder than saying. But you have to learn to say no without feeling guilty. Overthinking is not going to help you either. Make yourself a priority once in a while. Your feelings are important. self-love is not selfish. it’s necessary.
05. It’s okay to not be okay.
Every single day is different. some days are better. Some days are just hard. Some days are too hard to get through at all. And that’s life. It’s okay to have a meltdown. Let it out. Remind yourself crying isn’t being weak. You have been strong for too long. It’s okay to feel unstable. Never be ashamed of that.
I know you must have a hard time asking for help. You built your wall so high. But you don’t have to struggle all alone. Talking about your feelings, emotions and troubles can help. Reach out your hand if it’s too much.
06. Be gentle with yourself.
You tried to do your very best each and every day. You are the only one who can understand your suffering. That’s why You deserve your love more than anyone. Give yourself a pat on the back and tell yourself after the exhausted day, “you did great today. I’m so proud of you”. Learn to compliments yourself more often. Train yourself to stop thinking negative thoughts.
It’s okay to give yourself a break. You can enjoy your free time being yourself. Doing things, you love. write down all the things that make you happy. Those little things will help you to recharge yourself. Reading can take you to places. You can dance in your living room without caring about anyone. You can watch a movie, paint your nail, draw, make cookies, play with your pet or play video games. If you’re tired get some rest. It doesn’t matter what others are thinking as long as if it’s making you feel alive. Do what makes you happy.
Don’t take your body for granted. It’s really important to take really good care of your body. Go for a walk. exercises regularly, Stay hydrated. drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods and get enough sleep.
We can’t do everything at once, therefore let’s take one thing at a time. Like yourself first, then you will eventually fall in love with yourself. Life isn’t always easy or fair. But when life get hard don’t think you will be stuck in this situation forever. Just like seasons change, no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Therefore, give yourself a little bit more love. You’re worth a lot more than you think. Never ever forget, how truly amazing you are. Cherish yourself.