Love yourself the same way you would a friend. In other words, be your own best friend.
Everyone has that one friend in their life who makes them laugh, cries with them and helps pick them up when they are down. You would do anything for that person and love them unconditionally.
When it comes to us, though, we often put ourselves last and are critical, finding fault with the smallest of things. If we need help, we don’t usually ask, and if our feelings are hurt, the pain is silent and often goes unnoticed.
What would happen if you treated yourself the way you treat your friend? The answer, you would feel better. Give yourself the responsibility to make yourself feel fabulous all the time.
When you get up in the morning, list ten things you love about yourself. Remind yourself what a kind and caring person you are. If you have trouble with that, think about what you would say to your friends and then say it to yourself.
When you begin to find fault with yourself, notice it and say ‘stop.’ Find something positive instead and focus on that. By doing this, you reverse what you are thinking from the negative to the positive. Do this every time, and it will become a habit. The critical thoughts will begin to disappear.
Making time for yourself is essential. Take yourself out for a ‘me’ day and pamper yourself. Whether you go out with a friend to the spa or a round of golf, you can do the same for yourself. Make sure it is something that you enjoy and makes you feel relaxed and contented.
When your mood begins to take a downward spiral, review what you are doing or thinking, and then ask yourself if it is serving you or hurting you. Replace things that hurt you with something that helps you.
Self-care is important. Taking care of ourselves allows us to feel better. When we feel better about ourselves, we are not only at peace within, we are also easier to be around. We hold a happier state, and that is a contagious thing.
You are worth more than you give yourself credit for and deserve to be treated the very best, especially by yourself. You are the one person who is with you at all times. There is no escaping. If you must be with someone every second of every day, you want it to be with someone you not only like, but love.
Everyone has those days when they are down. That is normal, but don’t get stuck in that mood. Tell yourself the same things you would say to lift the spirits of another. Find ways throughout the day to laugh.
Give yourself a precious gift, the gift of you. Be your own best friend.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of Leslie’s website.