Sometimes, I am not my favorite person in the world.
Sometimes, I hate who I am.
Sometimes, I can’t stand being in my own mind.
And, that’s okay.
We all feel this way sometimes. Self-love is hard, but it’s worth practicing because we are the only us in this whole entire world. We are the only person who loves the way we love, who thinks the way we think, and who can change the world in our own unique way. Each and every person on this Earth is different, and if we aren’t going to love ourselves, who will?
I’ve been struggling a lot lately with self-love. I’ll admit, it’s a lot easier for me to tell others to love themselves than to actually practice it myself. So, I’m sharing this as much for you as I am for me.
Let’s get started.
one | take a deep breath
This obviously is not a cure-all, but reminding myself that I am a person who needs air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat, sometimes also reminds me that I am just doing my best in this messed-up world we live in. Taking just five minutes to focus on my breathing helps pause the negative thoughts. Sometimes they go away completely after a short session, sometimes they come back, but it’s still a good place to start.
two | self-reflect
Journaling is my saving grace. Sometimes I can start a journal entry in the most negative headspace and by the end of it, I think I’m a queen. Journaling works as a kind of purge of all the negative self-talk that can take up precious space in your head.
three | find some inspiration
Instagram can be a really negative space if you let it, but it can also be a haven with all its inspirational quotes and artsy accounts. Personally, I love scrolling through, finding a particularly touching quote in the “Discover” section, and then, looking through all the similar posts.
four | make a list
Can’t stop thinking about why you suck so much? Make a list of everything you are thinking — yes, the negative stuff. Try and figure out why you’re thinking those things, and remind yourself that you’re probably being silly and no one else things those things. Now, make a list of all the nice things someone has ever said to you. Now, make a list of all the nice things you think about yourself. Even if that’s just, “I have good taste in bedsheets.” Start there, and let the list grow.
five | remember, you’re not alone
Everyone goes through this. No one loves themselves all the time. Reach out to a friend or family member and tell them how much they mean to you. It’s sure to brighten their day, and it might even brighten yours.
Happy adventuring,
Kimberly
