Magic of Loving Yourself

Everyone has insecurities and sometimes, because of these insecurities, it is difficult to completely accept and love yourself for who you are. If you feel this way you are not alone because this is a very common feeling. There are countless reasons why we feel unconfident, although, if we try to strengthen our own perspective of ourselves, we will be able to eliminate our negative outlook and learn to love ourselves.

Why is self-love important?

For many of us, self-love might sound like a luxury rather than a necessity — or a new-age fad for those with too much time on their hands.

Ironically, however, self-care and -compassion might actually be needed most by those of us who work too hard and who are constantly striving to surpass ourselves and grasp the shape-shifting phantasm of perfection.

Most of the time, when we're being too hard on ourselves, we do it because we're driven by a desire to excel and do everything right, all the time. This entails a lot of self-criticisms and that inner voice that constantly tells us how we could've done things better is a hallmark of perfectionism.

Studies have shown that perfectionists are at a higher risk of several illnesses, both physical and mental and that self-compassion might free us from its grip. Therefore, perfectionism and self-compassion are inextricably linked.

This article will look at ways to dial down the former and boost the latter, with the conviction that doing so will help you to lead a happier, more fulfilled life.

Recognize Your Good Qualities

The way we think about ourselves is so important because we will not treat ourselves with respect or think highly of ourselves if we do not believe we are worthy of self-love. Therefore, we must recognize that we have positive qualities. Here is your task: think about one thing (or more) that you like about yourself and think of a new quality every day. I am going to suggest for you to write your qualities down because I believe that by literally seeing your good characteristics on paper or on the screen you will believe them more quickly and commit to your task. However, saying them out loud in front of a mirror or at least thinking about them works too.  Repeatedly endorsing positive feedback to yourself will help you eventually, learn that you do possess so many great qualities and you will gain a sense of self-worth and self-respect.

Critical Thoughts About Yourself!

Pen down the negative ideas and perceptions in your head. Try to remember who said that to you (or said something of that nature). Then write something opposite to what you have written, one by one. The counter messages should be convincing and loving. If you’re having issues in doing so and find it hard, see if you can find a close friend who could help or get into the mood and then try.

Ignore Negative Opinions

We are human beings and it is a part of our human nature to feel affected by other people’s words whether they are intentionally directed to hurt us or not. Personally, I can tell you that once I realized that the only opinion about myself that mattered was my own I became so much happier. It is not easy to neglect other’s opinions of you, especially when they are from people who you care about and who care about you. However, the only person who has power over your own life is you. You control your own mind, you control your opinions and you certainly deserve respect. Do not let other people’s negative opinions of you change your opinion of yourself. Of course, it is not easy to ignore other opinions that affect you but you have to try to understand that at the end of the day it is your life and you cannot live life trying to please other people.

Do Not Depend On Acceptance From Others

Like I touched on before, you are in control of your own opinions and you control your own thoughts. You cannot try to please other people and fulfill the expectations that they have of you or the expectations that you assume they have of you. It is impossible to please everybody so why stress yourself out trying to figure out how to? Live life to make yourself happy and live according to your own standards even if your ideas may stray from the norm. When we constantly aim to feel accepted by others according to their standards we begin to lose ourselves and our own identities in the process. Build upon your identity according to your own morals and expectations instead of relying on others to have that power over you.

Realize Who You Are

To love yourself you have to recognize who you are and what you are capable of achieving. You have to try to understand that you are capable of achieving self-love without depending on the approval from others along with accepting your flaws. Every characteristic about you makes up who you are as a human being and there is no one on the earth like you so, that being said, appreciate who you have grown to be. In order to love yourself, you must understand that the love you should aim to have for yourself is exactly like the love you have for other people whether that be romantic relationships, familial relationships, or friendships. When you love someone you do not judge them for every flaw they have but, instead, you love them because of who they are as a whole (including their flaws). So, tell me… why do you not deserve to be loved like that by yourself? The key is to understand that you are worthy of love and acceptance of yourself which will lead to more confidence over time.

Pamper yourself

Life truly is very hectic and we hardly get time for ourselves. But that doesn’t mean you keep neglecting yourself. So take out time from your hectic schedule and listen to your heart. Do something special for yourself and pamper yourself. It can be anything; drinking hot coffee at midnight, listening to soft music, getting a message, going to spa or simply sitting outside while its raining! Just make sure you do pamper yourself once in a while!

So go ahead. Love yourself. Be good to yourself. Treat yourself well. Replenish yourself. You will discover that the more you love yourself, the more you will be able to give love to others – and the more others will want to be around you and give love back to you. This is a win-win situation.

Loving yourself will ultimately benefit the lives of others you encounter, as well as your own life

Always give yourself credit for who you are and what you have accomplished. Always believe in yourself and, even in tough situations, try to keep your head up.

“Loving yourself starts with liking yourself, which starts with respecting yourself, which starts with thinking of yourself in positive ways.”

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