5 Ways to Love Yourself

How to love yourself when you don't know how. 

1. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF.
If someone has hurt your feelings, let it be known. If you don’t, then you might lead the person to believe that you are ok with being treated that way.  If you’re not the kind of person who can deflect insults and false accusations with lightning fast wit on the spot, then wait until you’ve got the right words to express yourself thoroughly. Be assertive but not aggressive. Use gentle but honest words in a face-to-face meeting or even a text message to express your thoughts and feelings.


2. BE KIND TO YOUR BODY.
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Buddha
Pamper your body inside and out. Eat nourishing food and never abuse your body with starvation or harmful pills. Stop torturing your lungs with toxic smoke and give yourself the gift of fresh, clean air. Enjoy special treats but don’t gorge yourself into a coma. Don’t ignore symptoms of physical or mental ailments and seek proper treatments so you can be comfortable, healthy and happy.


3. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.
Think about all of your positive traits and write them down.  Turn these good traits into verbal affirmations to say to yourself when you’re not feeling one hundred percent.
Can’t think of anything positive about yourself? I can! You are a unique and beautiful being and you are valuable: “Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.” — Deepak Chopra


4. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS.
“Comparison is the death of joy.” — Mark Twain
You are way too unique to compare yourself to anyone. It just doesn’t make sense. How can you compare the running skills of a domestic housecat to that of a leopard? They are both cats, but both are here to serve two entirely different purposes. Focus on YOURSELF and YOUR life and work to build the life YOU want – not the life someone else has.


5. DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD.
Wear whatever you want to wear, buy yourself flowers or a huge bunch of balloons, go on vacation alone, learn a new skill, throw a “just because” party, donate to your favorite charity  – do whatever makes you happy! You deserve it!