As children we are taught how to be kind to others, respect others, love others. However, very rarely are we taught how to be kind to ourselves, respect ourselves, love ourselves. When life gets tough, it is easy to be harsh with ourselves. However, it takes an act of courage to love yourself.
Struggling with mental illness can be a destructive process. We pick ourselves apart, judge ourselves, over-analyze every move we make and word we speak. But if you look beneath the surface, you will find there is beauty in your struggle. Destruction breeds creation. The purpose of your self-destruction is to make space for you to create a new version of yourself- a version that you love.
How to love yourself in 10 different ways:
Be kind to yourself
Speak to yourself using kind words. Forgive yourself for times you have been unkind to yourself.
Accept yourself- flaws and all
When you accept yourself, you find a deep sense belonging within your own soul. You become your own safe haven.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings
The only way out is through. Feel what you need to feel, and let it go.
Take care of your body
Your heart beats for you 24/7 day after day, year after year. Your body has fought for you through sickness and health. Show your body love through rest, eating healthy, exercise, hugs, massages, etc.
Avoid labeling yourself
If you fail, you are not a failure. You just gained wisdom. If you struggle, you are not weak, you are human.
Dance freely and sing loudly
Let loose. Be wild. Express yourself. Be yourself, unapologetically.
Think
Think highly of yourself. Think about the good times. Think about the sad times. Think of new ways to love yourself.
Don’t think too much.
It is what it is. You are exactly where you are supposed to be at this very moment. If it is meant to be, it will be.
Take pride in how much you have overcome
All that you have endured has shaped you into the wonderful person you are today. You have overcome hardships no one knows about. Respect yourself for always showing up despite what you have been though. Because of what you have been through.
And no matter what you go through, always remember, this too shall pass.
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