Hello,
Have you ever read The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman? If not, that could be a great read to start off 2023’s focus on relationships, particularly the one you have with yourself!
What does your self-love look like? For some people, it can be treating themselves to a new dress, vacation, golf, a face mask, a massage, or saying “no”. Some may not have a self-love or self-care routine, while others even cringe at the term. Let’s break it down into a simple definition.
Self-love – regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. This looks like positive self-esteem, positive mental image, positive self-talk, and positive actions towards oneself that show kindness, acceptance, and of course, LOVE!
For many people, it can be easy to see the good in others. It can be easy to compliment others on how they look or act and shower them with love and kindness. Why is it so much harder to show ourselves the same courtesy we show others? How do we treat ourselves when no one is around?
Most of us subconsciously believe we’re not good enough, so loving ourselves AIN’T EASY! It takes mindful practice and like any relationship, it takes time and consistent effort. Pay attention to your self-talk, the mantras you tell yourself. What are the stories you are telling yourself (implicit and explicit)?
Now back to love languages: what are yours? Maybe you have considered this for a romantic partnership, but what about the partnership you have with yourself? In what ways can you show love to yourself in meaningful, easily understandable ways?
I invite and encourage you to do some self-reflection and make a list of a few things you can take action on this month to start the year with more self-love.
I am excited to see what you come up with!!
With love and authenticity,