Loving ourselves is the very first principle for anything in life.  Without self-love it is difficult to love others, or to give.  Although it sounds selfish and counterintuitive self-love is the only way in which we can learn how to love another one.  Seeing what is good in us is the fundamental principle behind seeing what is good in everyone, in recognizing our own divinity, and hence others’ divinities.

Warning, this might lead to better self-esteem at worst and the realization that we are all divine beings at best.

1. Learning to say “thank you but I think I will skip” when we do not want to do something
2. Taking responsibility for how we feel
3. Using only positive and glorious words when talking about ourselves
4. Before eating asking “what is the healthiest most nutritious thing I can eat now”?, then trusting what we hear, really trusting. May be ice-cream today, might be spinach tomorrow, if we trust.
5. Taking a media fast once in a while
6. Taking a “me” day off, for real
7. Praying at home, in the train, in the car, during laundry, after yoga, on the street, in the shower…
8. Taking a long walk, with only ourselves
9. Remembering our priorities
10. Honoring those whom we love
11. Using place mats and the art of conversation during meals
12. The kitchen sink is always empty and clean
13. Making the bed every morning
14. Taking a Saturday afternoon for a beauty treatment (can be done at home very afford-ably, here is one idea)
15. Writing down ten things we would like to experience in this lifetime
16. Looking at the list often
17. Reaching out to someone we know needs it
18. Giving something away
19. Speaking half the times we think we need to
20. Organizing the closet
21. Buying clothes only if they fit 2 criteria: 1-comfortable and 2-makes me feel fabulous
22. Avoiding drama at all costs
23. But 22 (above) does not mean we avoid dealing with issues we know we need to deal with
24. Speaking up when is necessary
25. Learning to be compassionate towards others but also and most importantly to ourselves
26. Going to bed at around the same time every night
27. Making sure we go to the bathroom for number 1 and 2 every day
28. Looking at our reflection and going “Wow you are hot”
29. Appreciating that it does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be
30. Using our energy efficiently
31. Sending love towards Mother Earth
32. Playing, often.

If you liked this post see the 32 Unusual Benefits of Yoga and the Yoga Guide to Finding the Man or Woman of your Dreams

Relephant:

Maybe We Don’t Need to Love Ourselves First.

How to Actually Love Yourself. Like, Actually. For Real.

Relephant bonus:

Image: Eva Blue/Flickr