Finding true love (Self love!)
What does self love really mean and how to we get it for ourselves?
The love of your life has been with you the whole time, and you may not have properly gotten to know her yet! But if we're so "full of potential" then why is it so dang hard to actually love ourselves?
Let me clear some things up right off the bat. Self-love is NOT:
Being head over heels for yourself each day
Thinking you look gorgeous every second
Only thinking about yourself when it comes to making choices
Love is a complicated emotion! But it boils down to this: Loving yourself means accepting who you are, where you are, and honoring [her] each and every day regardless if you feel the "warm fuzzies." It is not just emotion, its action.
What actions are you taking in your daily life to honor yourself? To treat yourself well even if you're not at your best? Here's one way to think about it: If you had the opportunity to meet the younger you, what would you say to her? I certainly hope you wouldn't point out all the character flaws and imperfections (like we tend to do when we look in the mirror), but instead notice the complexities and uniqueness and acknowledge those qualities.
In my opinion, fitness and health is one of the most tangible ways to "find" that love for yourself. By nourishing your body, moving daily, and sticking to your promises to live a healthier life, you are expressing love and care! Often times women, particularly those that are parents, are seen as "selfish" for wanting to focus on their own health, and to an extent that is true! There is nothing wrong with being selfish when it comes to your physical well-being. By taking care of yourself, you are more available to give your time and energy to others! (*hint hint* I'm talking to you, mama!)
Other practical ways to show self love would be things like going to therapy, reading a book because you want to, taking a walk and feeling the sun on your cheeks, it doesn't have to be grand gestures. Just like in a romantic relationship, the big "romance moments" aren't what make the relationship great. It is all the stuff that happens in between. It's the late nights talking, the fighting, the small moments, the memories you make, the good and the bad. It is all a part of the growth process. Treat your own relationship with YOURSELF that way: take the good with the bad, and show up for yourself consistently each day in small ways.
Continuing to neglect your health (emotional and physical) isn't doing you any good. I challenge you to write down a few small ways you can practice reigniting that own spark in your confidence each day. Heck, even write yourself a love letter. To make it easy, I even wrote out a template for you to help you get started.
Dear Self,
I know I don't say this enough, but I love you. I am proud of the way you have carried yourself in hard times. I don't give you enough credit for all the effort you put in. I am sorry for being hard on you for wanting to rest and take breaks. I'm sorry I ever said you weren't enough. Despite everything I've said and thought in the past, I accept you and commit to taking care of you.
My favorite part about your personality is ______________.
I love the way you're so passionate about ______________.
You are such a ___________________.
Love, Me
I hope you soon learn to see yourself the way others do, because you are worthy of loving yourself that intensely too.
BE BOLD. BE FIT.
Chloe
For more motivation, inspiration, and help on your journey to become a better you, don't forget to subscribe to my podcast Muscles, Motherhood, & Motivation on apple and spotify