Give Yourself the Love/Attention You’re Giving Others

Close your eyes and envision how good you make others feel: All the compliments, words of encouragement, active listening, advice, you name it. Now imagine if you poured all that energy into yourself first. You CANNOT pour from an empty cup. I’m going to say this again…. You CANNOT pour from an empty cup.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s time to put you first. Right now you’re probably like - well duh if it was that easy I wouldn’t be reading this, but I promise it is. Today you will say to yourself: I love myself, I am perfect the way that I am, no one can tell me who I am but me, and I am the co-creator of my life.

The journey to self love starts with baby steps. Today we will start with 5:

1) Feel good about yourself : Every time you go to the bathroom spend some time in the mirror. Admire what you love about yourself, compliment yourself, do a little dance, tell yourself I am the Ish and no one will tell me different. Say these things to yourself out loud.

2) Write down 5 things you are grateful for: It does not matter what it is (self image, possessions, people) get in the mindset of being grateful, seeing the positive regardless of your current situation. There is always something to be grateful for. Open your eyes to what you have rather than what you lack. You will naturally start to glow once you shift your mindset.

3) Treat yourself: (warning- do not over spend) maybe today you accomplished a task and you reward yourself with your favorite coffee, that shirt you had your eye on, a new hair style. When you treat yourself you feel great, you let your subconscious know you are deserving of the finer things. You have worked hard, you’ve survived the week and you deserve a reward no matter how small it is.

4) Spend some time with yourself: Start to search within, learn your likes and dislikes, your triggers, what really drives you. The biggest part of learning to love yourself is accepting ALL parts of you. Never, ever and I mean ever speak down on yourself. For example: maybe you’re a people pleaser, instead of saying I hate how I always do things for people switch your mindset to I am invested in the people around me, although helping people is a good thing I realize I over extend myself and need to help me first.

5) Trust Your Self: Listen to your mind and body. When someone calls you, ask you to do something or invites you out do not respond immediately. Ask yourself: Am I in the right head space to have this conversation? Do I really want to do this task? Am I in the mood to be around others? Learn to be honest with yourself and others. It is ok to say no. This does not mean be harsh or mean, just simply explain: I appreciate this call, invite or you trusting me to ask me to do this but I honestly am not in the head space to do this right now. Those who do not understand do not deserve to be in your life. Surround yourself with people who understand and support you just as much as you understand and support them.

This self love journey is not easy and full disclosure you may realize some of the people in your life now may need to be put on the back burner. You should never feel bad about putting yourself first and anyone who makes you feel bad for doing so does not respect your boundaries. You are the light that needs to shine, do not dim your light to please others. Step into all that is you and you’ll see your life drastically improve.

You are loved. You are supported and you’ve got this 💪🏽.