No one is going to love us if we don’t love ourselves.

We all have days of feeling low, unappreciated, super crappy and just awful.

I have been there, felt low and utterly miserable. In this fast paced life, I feel that we tend to lose connection with our inner soul. The feeling of happiness and gratitude takes a back seat and we forget to love ourselves.

It will be fun to start loving ourselves in the month where love is all around.

When I learned to stop a bit, inhale the fresh air, spend time on my own and be myself, I began to discover self love.

I followed these simple ways to feel appreciated and love myself.

1. Forgive myself.

I have done a lot of things that I am not proud of. It was a learning process that taught me life lessons in innumerable ways. While I cannot undo the past, I can move forward by forgiving myself. Once I started on the path of forgiveness, I felt less anxiety and a more exhilaration, as there was a release of old emotions.

When we let go, we are filled with happiness.

2. Spend time alone.

I call it the me time. Undoubtedly one of my favourite things to do. A stop at my favorite cafe, unlimited cups of green tea, fresh salads and time to fill my life and business goals for the year makes a world of difference. It helps me focus and rejuvenate.

When I spend time alone, I am able to collect and focus on my thoughts that I turn into action.

3. Move the body.

There is nothing more satisfying than staying fit and healthy. Go for a long walk or just hit the gym and stretch those muscles. Our bodies will thank us for it! Indulge in a bit of yoga to bring calmness to the mind, body and soul or just head out for a run.

Do whatever it takes to make the adrenaline rush and make us feel good.

4. Form relationships that are positive.

More often than not, we are surrounded by people who are judgmental—causing pain and anguish. Surrounding myself with people who understand my journey and accept me for who I am makes a huge difference.

5. Do not compare. Often, I felt guilty when I would compare myself to the other moms. I would increasingly feel that I was not a good enough parent. When I stopped the comparison I realized that there was true potential to love myself.

6. Find work that we love. As a work from home mom, sometimes I tend to take on projects that seem interesting enough, but soon they begin to feel like a noose around my neck. I have learned to say no and take on work that is something I truly love, so that I can enjoy my work and not be filled with a sense of boredom.

7. Be happy.

I took a small step. I decided to be responsible for my own happiness. Yes, when I let go of the expectations from others, I realized that life was pretty much simple and not as complicated as I imagined it to be. Being happy gives a sense of contentment that ushers in positive thoughts. Try it.

Trust me, it is not difficult as all.

8. Practice gratitude.

How often do we stop to count the blessings rather than complain about things that are pinning us down? Complaining is too easy. If you list down things that you are grateful for, it may take a long time because when you start writing, your gratitude list just grows longer. It made me realize that I had less to complain and more to enjoy in my life.

As I pen this post, I realize that it is easier to choose my own happiness and not seek it in other people! I realized that it is pointless to change myself so that people would like me. I knew that being true to myself and loving myself would attract the right people! 

~

Relephant read:

This is What I Know about Love.

Author: Pratibha Pal

Editor: Ashleigh

Photo: Author’s own, Wikipedia