are you loving yourself?
written by Bree` Smith | article originally posted on The Self Zone blog
who am I?
Many of us rely on external forces to seek answers regarding our happiness. We might look for answers from the opinions of others, read self-help books, or search for answers through social media, but our true happiness is within.
Self-Awareness is finding your authentic self. We can gain a deeper awareness of who we are by finding our passion and understanding what motivates us. Further, learning our needs, discovering our purpose, and assessing our mental capabilities are critical as well. Self-discovery allows you to fall in love with yourself.
“self-discovery allows you to fall in love with yourself”
Self-love is showing up for yourself when others do not.
Self-love is doing what makes you smile.
Self-love is defining who YOU are and not allowing others to do it.
Self-love is not comparing yourself to others.
Self-love is trusting yourself.
Self-love is using your VOICE to advocate for yourself.
Self-love is accepting YOURSELF.
Self-love is knowing your WORTH.
Society makes it hard to accept who we are as a result of the images and expectations portrayed through media channels. It took me a while to realize that the idealized depictions and external influences were barriers in the way of my confidence and self-love. Loving the skin that you are in is a fantastic feeling and a new level of acceptance.
Some of my favourite concepts of self-love are:
centering
Mindfulness and meditation have allowed me to connect with my mind, body, and soul by silencing my surroundings and becoming more aware of myself. Experts support that both mindfulness and meditation perpetuate internal-state awareness (Ackerman, 2020). Also, both practices can help minimize overthinking and guard against feelings of losing yourself.
practice letting go
Holding on to grudges, past hurts and trauma are toxic to well-being. One of the benefits of detaching is becoming free from excess worry and overload. Non-attachment interventions based on self-compassion and mindfulness have been associated with positive psychological outcomes (Whitehead, Bates, Elphinstone, Yang, & Murray, 2018). Thus, letting go is exceptionally beneficial to your mental health.
love your vessel
My husband and I have made a conscious effort to integrate nutrient-rich and organic foods into our diets for various holistic reasons. Most importantly, I chose to consume higher-quality foods to produce healthier breastmilk for my son. Before I was pregnant, I was preparing my body to carry a child by taking a high-quality prenatal multivitamin that contained whole foods and folic acid. Additionally, exercising played an essential role during pre-pregnancy as well.
The holistic approach allowed me to have energy, feel good about my body, and support a healthy chemical balance. Physical activity improves psychological well-being and helps to guard against preventable ailments (Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006).
mindful journaling
Writing in my gratitude journal has allowed me to practice gratitude actively, ground myself, and take a break from worldly distractions. Research states that expressive journaling can reduce stress and encourage positive self-development (Ackerman, 2020). Thus, journaling allows for self-reflection and helps to support positive adjustments.
final thoughts
There are so many more activities to help sustain self-love. Other examples may include practicing yoga, creating art, and hiking through nature while admiring creation, etc.
What are some of your favourite self-love approaches? Whatever your practices may be, make sure you often engage to take care of your light.
references
Ackerman, C. E. (2020). What is Self-Awareness and Why is it Important? [5 Ways to Increase It]. Retrieved May 13, 2020, from https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/
Chopra, N. (2020). 10 Wonderful Ways To Practice Self-Love. Retrieved from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12428/10-wonderful-ways-to-practice-selflove.html
Sutton A. (2016). Measuring the Effects of Self-Awareness: Construction of the Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire. Eur J Psychol. 2016;12(4):645‐658. Published 2016 Nov 18. doi:10.5964/ejop.v12i4.1178
Warburton, D. E., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 174(6), 801–809. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051351
Whitehead, R., Bates, G., Elphinstone, B., Yang, Y., & Murray, G. (2018). Letting Go of Self: The Creation of the Nonattachment to Self Scale. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 2544. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02544
Sustainable Bliss Collective endorses products & brands we genuinely love and support. If you end up making a purchase through one of our affiliate links, it will not cost you anything but we may earn a commission. Learn more here.
share this on pinterest!
about the author
Bree` Smith created The SELF Zone to uplift, encourage, and empower others to reach their highest potential. Friends and family have often consulted with her in areas of life, such as well-being, self-care, and enlightenment. Her experience in advocacy, relationship building, and support led her to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Franklin University. The self zone approach features relatable experiences, and strategies developed for peaceful growth.
