10 ways to love yourself

TEN POINT GUIDE TO LOVING YOURSELF

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Learning to love yourself is vital for self esteem. It isn't selfish, it is common sense. I've put together an easy to remember 10 point guide to help you learn to love YOU. 

We spend most of our time caring for other people and don't take enough time to think about caring for ourselves. The key to full health in mind and body is to learn to love YOU first and foremost. We have been conditioned to put ourselves way down the list but your life will work much better if you actually care about yourself. 

Remember how, on a flight the air-hostess tells you, if you are travelling with children and an emergency occurs so you need to use the oxygen mask, put your own on first? You would be of little help to them if you are oxygen deprived. So too in life - you are better able to care for others if you are in balance and harmony in your own life.  

1.         STOP ALL CRITICISM

                        Criticism never changes a thing.  Refuse to criticise yourself.  Accept yourself as you are.  Everyone changes - every single day.  When you criticise yourself your changes are negative.  When you approve of yourself your changes are positive.

2.         DON'T SCARE YOURSELF

                        Stop terrorising yourself with your thoughts.  It's a depressing way to live.  Find a mental image that gives you pleasure and immediately switch your scary thoughts to pleasant thoughts.

3.         BE GENTLE AND KIND AND PATIENT

                        Be gentle with yourself.  Be kind and patient.  You are learning a new skill - you won't get everything right every single time but there is no need to knock yourself over the head every time you falter - that is setting you up for FAILURE - there is no such thing.  Treat yourself as you would someone you love very much and are helping to learn like a child learning to walk.

4.         BE KIND TO YOUR MIND

                        Self hatred is only hating you own thoughts.  Don't hate yourself for having thoughts - gently change them.

5.         PRAISE YOURSELF

                        Criticism of any kind breaks down the inner spirit.  Praise builds it up.  give yourself credit for all the good you are - tell yourself how well you are doing even in the little things and really celebrate the big ones.

6.         SUPPORT YOURSELF

                        Find ways to support yourself.  Reach out to friends and allow them to help you.  It is actually being strong to ask for help when you need it.  Find ways for self nourishing.

7.         BE LOVING TO YOUR NEGATIVES

                        Acknowledge that you create negatives to fulfil a need.  Now you are finding new positive ways to fulfil the same needs.  Lovingly release the old negative patterns.

8.         TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

                        Learn about yourself - what your needs are and how you can meet them.  Make it a joy not a chore.  Cherish and revere the temple you live in and it will reward you with joy.

9.         MIRROR WORK

                        Look into your eyes often.  Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself.  Forgive yourself while looking in the mirror.  Talk to your parents while looking in the mirror,  Forgive them too.  At lease once a day say 'I love you, I really love you' to yourself  looking directly into your eyes.

10.       LOVE YOURSELF...DO IT NOW!

                        Don't wait until you get well or lose weight or get a new job or relationship.  Begin now and do the very best you can.