For the majority of my teenage years, I struggled with how I saw myself. I would avoid any reflection, decision-making situations, and anything that showed off ME. While body image was one issue I faced, it felt deeper than that; I believed there was something intrinsically wrong with my being.
Over the last couple of years, I tried to change my habits, thought processes and activities to consequently change the perception I had of myself. It was a learning process full of many highs and lows but I think it's finally paying off.
When I take the time to reflect on this journey it always takes me by surprise how I used to treat myself and the beliefs I used to hold. I have found it helpful in low times to remind myself of the lessons I have learned in hopes of reminding myself how far I've come.
7 things I learnt when I started to love myself
1. I used to hold the belief that to love myself, I had to have validation from someone else. Now, I know by loving myself first, I can give more love to everyone around me!
2. When I started to love myself, I started to care what I did with my body and what I put inside it.
3. I learned a new language; my self-love language. I learned how to speak to myself with kind words and respect what my body does for me.
4. Through this journey, I have realised that I could have fun with myself and enjoy my own company.
5. I learnt how to trust and forgive myself for the past, whether the mistakes were my own or not.
6. I learnt how to celebrate myself.
7. I learnt how to listen. I don't push my body or mind too far, I know my limits and when I need to step away from a situation.
There are some days I struggle still, and in these moments I use affirmations to remind myself of my worth. I repeat them whenever I catch myself thinking negatively, or each morning in my gratitude journal!
Here are my favourite self-love affirmations that help me through those down days:
- Perfection is a perception
- I am worthy
- I don't need any external validation to love myself
- I am enough.
- I am grateful for my journey
- I am grateful for my healing
- Happiness flows to me
- I radiate positive energy!
- I give myself an abundance of love!
- My voice is valuable and I spread gratitude
- I'm exactly who I am meant to be
- I'm at peace with my physical body
- Every being is unique and beautiful; including me!
- I respect my limitations and boundaries
- My inner beauty is shining!
Thank you for sticking with me till the end. I hope you take something away from this and find the power in self-love! I also want to say a quick thank you to Freya & El who shared this post over on their space on the internet!
Freya and El's run a fantastic blog covering all things 'Wine, yoga, and internal growth'!
Instagram: @freyanelarereallyswell