When I began this journey to be nicer to myself, I didn’t really understand what it meant.
People would say vague statements like “don’t be so hard on yourself” or “be gentle with yourself”. Which made me want to throw my shoe at their head.
Because those slogans might make good Facebook memes, but they didn’t help me understand how to recognize when I was being harsh and learn to treat myself differently.
I wanted examples – clear, concrete ways to know what was “harsh” and what was “gentle”, so I could finally get on this “kind-to-myself” train.
Now that I’ve been on this journey for awhile, I want to share some of my insights with you.
Here’s what accepting yourself and caring might look and feel like for you:
Scheduling a night’s worth of events and then changing your mind and taking a bath instead because it’s what you want to do.
Waking up tired and, instead of reaching for coffee, committing to natural cures like stretching, eating well and going to bed earlier, because you deserve to feel good.
Realizing what a horrible mess you’ve made – of that job, relationship, or project – and laughing aloud because you can’t change it now – you can only move forward. Then letting go of the guilt and taking action on the areas you might want to improve.
Feeling stressed and out of time to get it all done, then taking time out to read, walk, or nap in the sun anyway, because feeling good is more important than checking things off your list.
Thinking you have no time for yourself then making the time anyway (getting up 10 minutes earlier, turning off the TV), because caring for you is the most important part of your day.
Sharing with someone how you just can’t do it all and then saying yes when they offer to help, because you deserve to be supported.
Tidying up and getting rid of what doesn’t help you feel amazing, because no one dreams of a life filled with clutter. You deserve to feel clear and calm in your space.
If you’ve been struggling to be kind to yourself, the best thing you can do is start to take daily actions focused just on giving to yourself.
It may be uncomfortable at first or feel forced, but the more you practice, the easier and more natural it will become.
In the beginning, you can pretend your spoiling a loved one and treating them to a fantastic day just to say thanks for all they do. The only difference is, you’re doing it for you!
I’d love to hear what habits you’ve adopted to shower yourself with kindness and love.
Hit reply now to share your best tips!
Be free. Be brave. Be YOU!
Love,
Alexis
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