For this month of love and the rest of the year,  we must first learn to love ourselves before we can fully love others. These are some ways that helped me relinquish the heaviness, which created the space for what was supposed to come to me, come to me.

STEP 1: SELL/DISCARD UNNECESSARY THINGS

We tend to hold onto things that weigh us down. We are attached to the sentimental value they give us which is connected to our past. We cannot move forward and enjoy the present moment of what’s in front of us while being held like a ball and chain to our things. At the end of the day, they are indeed just things. When you’re on your deathbed, you won’t think about your material possessions. Life is meant to be simple.

Purpose: Simplify your life.

Questions to ask your soul:

• What isn’t serving me?

• Haven’t used it in 6-12 months? Throw it out.

• Sell items for cash (Ebay, Craigslist, FB Marketplace, Amazon), have a garage sale or donate them to charity/friend who needs it.

STEP 2: WRITE A LETTER & BURN IT

This one is especially important. Just like how we hold onto material items, we tend to harbor and hold onto pain whether it’s from a friend or family member. It’s hard to let go of the pain when someone you love hurts you. You must understand, they are projecting their own pain onto you and it’s never personally even though it may feel that way. We must either forgive or let go and sometimes both. It is okay to let go of a relationship if it no longer serves you but as long as you forgive them for your own healing to move on with your life. Forgiveness doesn’t need to be in person.

Purpose: Mend ties with family & friends

Questions to ask your soul:

• Heal your wounds with someone. Write a letter to someone whom you don’t have a good relationship with. Express all your feelings and burn it to release all the pain. Watch the flames burn all your pain and hurt away. Let it go.

• Whether you decide to keep the relationship or not. Forgiveness heals YOU.

STEP 3: SELF-LOVE

Want to know what the key to life is? It’s self love. Pure and simple. Loving yourself is the highest form of servitude for yourself and others. You can’t love and serve others when you’re running on empty. To live a fulfilling life doesn’t mean we don’t experience hardships, with self love and care it gives us more power to handle difficult situations. We must be self aware of what makes us happy even the smallest spark of joy can change your day. Do what ever brings a smile to your face, a little bit every single day. The small acts of self love snowballs and only gets bigger. By loving yourself, you’re being selfish (as you should), setting boundaries when you need it and most of all grounding yourself. The more consistent you are, you’ll feel better and guess what? You’ll subconsciously inspire others to do the same. 

Purpose: Fall in love with yourself

Questions to ask your soul:

• Can’t figure out how to love yourself? Write a list of everything you enjoy, go as far back as childhood; something will spark an idea. Go with it and do it often.

• Practice self love. Pamper yourself, do things you enjoy; be selfish.

• Love yourself as much as possible. And don’t be afraid to be YOU.

All of this takes practice. Nothing will change unless you’re willing to do the work. By adopting this way of life, please give yourself credit for making steps to simplify your life. I congratulate you on starting to let go! I know it’s not an easy road to travel on, but you will feel lighter and more spiritually grounded. When something is scary and you overcome it, it’s the best feeling in the world; the feeling you can achieve anything. I want this to continue for you so can overcome your fears, live simply and achieve your dreams; all you gotta do is take that leap!