Learning To Love Yourself

With all the chocolates and flowers everywhere, it's easy to feel a bit left out if you're not into all the Valentine's Day hype.

I've noticed that some of my students struggle with seeing their own worth, even though they have so much to offer.

It got me thinking - how can we learn to love ourselves a little more?

Personally, I know what it's like to battle feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. But I've learned that it's important to recognize our own strengths and unique qualities.

So, I suggested to my art group that we focus on self-love in our latest project.

What does self-love mean to you?

And how can we incorporate it into our daily lives?

Let's explore this together and spread a little more love and kindness to ourselves.

Self-love, defined as "love of self" or "regard for one's own happiness or advantage", has been conceptualized both as a basic human necessity and as a moral flaw, akin to vanity and selfishness, synonymous with amour propre, conceitedness, egotism, narcissism, et al.

It's fascinating to think about how different societies and philosophers throughout history have had such varied ideas about the importance of the individual versus the collective.

From my own perspective here in the UK, I can't help but wonder if the legacy of two World Wars has shaped our emphasis on sacrifice, community, and that famous 'Keep Calm & Carry On' attitude. I don't think these qualities are necessarily negative, but I do believe we may have sometimes neglected our own personal needs in the process.

This was certainly true in my own family. With a grandfather who was blinded in the war and a grandmother who struggled with her mental health after living through the bombings of the blitz, there was always a strong sense of coming together to take care of each other. While I will always cherish the time I spent with my beloved grandparents, it took me a long time to truly discover my own identity and prioritize self-love and self-care. I've come to realize that it's important to find that balance between looking out for others and looking out for yourself.

I used to struggle a lot with seeking approval from others and feeling like I had to explain myself all the time. But you know what? I've come to realize that I know myself and my situation better than anyone else. While it's great to hear different perspectives, ultimately, I'm the one who has to live with my decisions. Following others made me feel lazy about standing up for myself, and I fell into the habit of just going with the flow instead of taking charge. It wasn't the best way to handle things in the long run, but I'm learning to trust my own instincts more and more. Just a little reminder that it's okay to trust yourself and make decisions that feel right for you. You've got this!

Let's talk about getting rid of negativity in our lives. Whether it's our own negative thoughts or actions, or dealing with people who don't respect boundaries or take responsibility for their actions, toxicity can really drain us. I consider myself a caring and generous person, which sometimes means I can end up in situations where others might try to take advantage of me. It's a constant battle, but the sense of calm and contentment that comes from removing toxic influences is totally worth it.

Let's work on creating a more positive and fulfilling life together!

Can I share something with you? For the past 20 years, I've been on a journey of self-love

and I've picked up a few things that really made a difference for me.

One big one is to stop comparing myself to others. It's easy to get caught up in thinking everyone else has it all together, but the truth is, we all have our moments of feeling down and negative about ourselves. Just because someone seems confident on the outside doesn't mean they don't have their own insecurities too! We're all unique and that's what makes us special. So, let's embrace our differences and remember that it's more than okay to be ourselves.

Isn't it funny how we can get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to stop and smell the roses? I don't know about you, but I personally feel like it really drains my spirit when I don't take a moment to appreciate the little things. Whether it's admiring the flowers on your commute, bird-watching from your window, or giving some love to the furry friends you encounter, those small moments of joy can truly brighten your day.

So, why not slow down a bit and savor those simple pleasures that make life so sweet?

Let's give ourselves a break, shall we? We all slip up every now and then, it's just part of being human. Perfection is a bit of a myth if you ask me, nobody's got it all figured out. We're all a work in progress, learning and growing along the way. So, go easy on yourself and remember, it's okay to make mistakes. They're just opportunities for us to get better. Take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack and keep moving forward. You're doing great!

Life is always throwing us curveballs. Change is just one of those things we can always count on. It's like, just when you think you've got it all figured out, bam! Everything shifts again. Instead of digging in your heels and clinging to the past, why not try embracing change? Trust me, going with the flow and being open to new things will make your life a whole lot smoother, more fun, and full of exciting possibilities. So, let's roll with it together, shall we?

Looking to kickstart your journey of self love?

Here are some fun exercises you can try out!

One cool idea is to jot down things you like about yourself or things you excel at. But hey, if that feels a bit tough, no worries! You can always switch it up and have a friend share what they admire about you instead. It's funny how we can be so kind to others but tough on ourselves, right? Why not team up with a buddy or a group of friends for a mutual admiration session? Hearing what others appreciate about you can really help boost your self-appreciation game.

Ever thought about writing yourself a letter, like you're chatting with a friend? It's an interesting way to see yourself from a fresh perspective. Check out Inspirational Blogger Iva's tip on this - it's a real motivator!

And how about a self love twist on a Happiness/Memory Jar? Each day, jot down something you've loved about yourself on a scrap of paper and pop it in the jar. Then, when you need a pick-me-up, you can revisit those notes.

Don't forget about Self Love Journaling Prompts! There are tons of prompts online that can really get you thinking from new angles. Pick a couple to mull over each week and jot down your thoughts or doodle them out. It's a great way to dive deeper into self-discovery.

So go ahead, give these exercises a try and let the self love vibes flow! You've got this! 🌟

I hope you've found this information useful for your own self love journey?

Remember this is a personal journey, not a 'one size fits all' exercise.

Find ways that work for you, make you feel good & challenge you to grow as a person.

I've added some interesting prompts & articles to the Pinterest folder for you to browse through.

And please feel free to post your tips & ideas of how you deal with looking after yourself

Create! Crafting From the Heart CIC - Company Number: 15765146

Learning To Love Yourself

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