This Year Has Been Hard, It’s Time To Choose You!

Take the chance to commit to yourself.

It doesn’t matter what your relationship status is – you can double dose on self-love.

I’m not talking ego-driven, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing stuff here. This is real, unadulterated, self-worth boosting, confidence building, unconditional love of yourself.

You know, all that love bottled up inside that oozes for others – get you some of that, like asap!

You want the kinda self-love that we should all be giving ourselves, no matter our flaws and limitations. No, not after you find the ‘right’ partner, become a success, and trim off those extra Covid-19 lbs. Now.

You deserve to love yourself, as you are. Get radical. Accept yourself, flaws and all. Don’t worry, you can still work on those things that aren’t serving you so well, because that’s self-love too.

Your flaws don’t take away from your worth – hint – perfection does not exist. So, unless you like eternal limbo, stop waiting to get all your ducks in a row before you take your You-Relationship to the next level.

Take this unusual time to break free from the esteem-crushing comparison game that leaves you void, angry, depressed, and feeling alone. Instead, fill up on that double dose of compassionate self-love!

It all starts with a commitment to YOU.

Need a place to start, try these tips:

1. Get Radical: Accept yourself, flaws, and all. Period.
2. Be aware: Start to tune into yourself so you can be aware of your needs and meet them with compassion and love – are you hungry, sad, tired, angry, and so on.
3. Let go: Leave old expectations and self-limiting beliefs behind. Forge a new way.
4. Forgive: Yourself for any past wrongdoings and mistakes you’ve made, unhealthy relationship patterns, and the time it took for you to get to this place of committing to love yourself.
5. Write : Make a contract with yourself to focus on self-love. Write a letter to yourself to help you forgive and let go. Journal your thoughts. Write about your future self-loved you in present tense.
6. Affirm: Create “I AM” affirmations that highlight the loveable person you are and/or want to be – I am loveable, I am beautiful, I am intelligent, I am talented, etc. Repeat them often.
7. Boost Esteem: Try to boost your esteem daily – list the things that you are proud of, your strengths, accomplishments…no matter how small.
8. Reach Out: Just because you’re focused on loving you from within doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Surround yourself with loving kindness support, whether friendship, a partner, family, community, or a professional.
9. Fill Your Soul-Cup: Tap into what brings you joy and fill your boots with it. Whether it’s being creative, getting out in nature, music, a hobby – whatever it is, make it a priority.
10. Invest: Invest in YOU – your health, mental health, and wellbeing. And, well, it’s v-day, so treat yourself and indulge a little. Pamper yourself. Buy yourself flowers or a treat. Spoil yourself with you-time.

And remember, self-love is a journey, and not always an easy one. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Just always come back to your commitment to keep loving yourself, imperfections and all.

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This article was written by Laura Bloom during their time at Shift Collab.