Like versus love. What’s the difference? Many women know the importance of loving themselves but when asked if they do, can’t give a straight answer.
- “I know I should but…”
- “I’d like to love myself but…”
- “I like myself but love is a strong word.”
It can be easier to like something than love it. It’s less scary, messy, and vulnerable that way. If we don’t invest as much, its easier to pull back and not get hurt. Sure there is some truth to that, but is that how you want to live the rest of your life? From a place of like instead of love? Is that your truth, purpose, and destination?
If you’re really honest with yourself, I’d guess the answer is no. You’d rather be fully alive and living in love, instead of flirting with like. It’s more fulfilling that way. Life opens up for you because you know you are worthy of it.
So how can we learn to love ourselves?
1. Be mindful
Discover what you feel, want, and desire & act on those things mindfully. Self-loving people are mindful of who they are & act on this knowledge, rather than taking outside opinions of themselves.
2. Practice good self-care
Move your body, speak kindly to yourself, eat nutritious foods, sleep 8 hours a day, drink enough water, etc. You get the picture. Don’t underestimate the power of taking care of yourself on your self-love. It’s vital.
3. Needs versus wants
Recognize the differences between what you need in the long run for happiness, health, & fulfillment (need) versus what’s going to make you feel better in the moment (want). When you focus on what you need, you can turn away from behaviors that are not serving you.
4. Set boundaries
Know what you are and are not okay with. Have the confidence to stand up for yourself when someone crosses the line. Your self-love is not going to strengthen if you keep letting people, things, or situations deplete you. Know your boundaries.
5. Forgive yourself
Everyone is human and everyone makes mistakes, including you. Know that you were doing the best you could at the time, forgive yourself, and move forward. You are worth more than continuing to wrestle with the past. Realize you are human and let it go.
Loving yourself is something that can be strengthened with each passing day.
I encourage you to take one or two of the tips above and implement them TODAY. Make the conscious choice to take care of yourself. You are worth the effort. Over time, you will discover what works the best, what makes you feel the most alive, and which you want to continue using every day. Soon you will wake up and realize you have more love for yourself than you did a week ago, a month ago, or even a year ago. Keep going. You are worth your continued love and effort. Never forget it.
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