7 Ways to Practice Radical Self Love
It always comes back to self-love.
We are the one person we will spend our entire lives with, yet we put other people's happiness before our own. Our partners, our families, our friends and even our employers.I see this time and time again, especially with woman. We are natural givers. We have a tendency to say yes to everyone except ourselves. At the end of the day we are left depleted with no energy to do the things we really desire.When doing a self-love check in with my clients, friends or even myself these are a few of the questions I ask:
“Do you practice self-care?
“Do you make time for yourself?”
“Do you ever say no?”
“Do you exercise?”
“Do you eat healthy nourishing foods?
“Do you get enough sleep?”
“Do you have fun?”
“Do you have a hobby?”
Sadly, the answer is usually no.Our ego tells us self-love is selfish, but that’s simply not true. Loving yourself is about taking care of yourself. It’s getting 8 hours of sleep a night, eating nourishing foods, getting exercise and learning to say no to others so you can say yes to you. It’s about embracing your flaws and loving your imperfections. It’s about doing activities you enjoy and that bring you happiness. It’s about loving yourself so you can love others.
Here are 7 ways to begin practicing self-love TODAY.
#1: I love you
Sit in a comfortable position, cross your hands over your heart, close your eyes and say “I love you". You can even begin moving your hands slowly over your body while repeating, “I love you".
#2: I love you some more
Every time you see your reflection in a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and say, “I love you”. This may seem silly at first, but how many times have you looked someone else in the eyes and professed your love to them? Why would you not do the same to yourself?
#3: Buy yourself flowers!
You are a manifestation of love and deserve fresh beautiful flowers. So buy them for yourself!
#4: Bring sexy back!
Have you ever spent time getting ready for a big evening? Maybe you spent a little extra time on your hair & makeup? Maybe you spent time finding the perfect outfit? Did you feel gorgeous, sexy & confident? Did you feel like you owned the world?Do more of what makes you feel this way and do it often! It doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions.This will mean something different to everyone. If makeup makes you feel beautiful wear makeup. If wearing heels makes you feel sexy wear heels. If lace panties makes you feel sexy wear lace panties.I know I always feel confident, sexy & gorgeous when I wear lipstick, have a fresh mani & pedi, or wear an outfit that I feel true authenticity in.
#5: Say NO!
Learn to say no to others so you can say YES to yourself! This one may be challenging because we are programmed to say yes! But I challenge you to say no!This can mean saying no to meeting up with the girls for happy hour so you can take time to rest and take a bath. It’s about adding less to your schedule so you can take time for you.
#6: Get a solid self-care routine in place.
Take at least ½ an hour a day to care for yourself. Think nourishment, relaxation and ease. This is about doing less. Slowing down. Caring for your body and your mind. This will also mean something different to everyone.To find out what you need, simply ask yourself, “How can I care for you today?”
#7: Take yourself on a date!
Go to dinner, the movies or on a picnic. Just spend some alone time with yourself. Get used to your own company with no one else around. You may find you like it!
XO, Emily
