Are you tired of submitting yourself to others’ criticism while trying to express who you are? Have you, while making others joyful, lost your own happiness?
Nowadays, it can be hard to delight ourselves without feeling guilty. The please-others-before-yourself phenomenon can be contemplated everywhere and anywhere. It makes us feel the need to satisfy others, and it makes us think that what we want should be irrelevant.
Keep in mind, though, that before loving others, you must love yourself. You need to discover your own radiance before being able to share it with the world. Are you ready to do so? Come with me and these extremely adorable babies on a 12-step self-love journey!
1. Reevaluate your mindset
Remember that we are all here in order to accomplish great things. Never settle for less because you deserve the best!
2. Embrace yourself
Look at yourself in the mirror and pay attention to those qualities that make you unique. See how valuable you are? Now go and show it off with confidence.
3. Let go off the past
Now that you are aware of how much are really worth, why should you still lament over people who only tried to keep you captive? It is never too late to say “I’ve had enough.” Just remember to stay firm on your decision.
4. Do what makes you happy
“DO what makes you happy. BE with those who make you smile. LAUGH as much as you breathe. LOVE as long as you live.” -Rachel Ann Nunes
5. Research and Learn
In order to find out what it is that you truly want for yourself, you need to know what the world has to offer. Once you have your priorities set, it’ll be easier to trace a path of goals that suits you.
6. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals
Instead of frustrating yourself with unrealistic goals, try S.M.A.R.T goal-setting. The key for these goals to help you grow is that they need to be: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
7. Give yourself a break
Yes, it is important to get everything done. I know nobody likes to admit that they can’t handle as much as they would like. But trust me, you’ll do a better job once you’ve given yourself the break that you deserve.
8. Dress to impress (yourself)
Of course you will not do this at a job interview. You should be able to do this easily, however, when surrounded by people who appreciate what makes you unique.
9. Find symmetry in the asymmetric
This has nothing to do with Algebra (you’re welcome!) What I mean is that in your journey to happiness, you’ll encounter people and things that might seem foreign to you. Do not be discouraged by their differences but rather focus on their similarities.
10. Choose wisely
This includes discarding people who do not necessarily fortify your confidence and also habits that prevent you from being the best version of yourself.
11. Make a difference
Once you have improved yourself, you should contribute to the betterment of our community! It is impossible to put in words what you feel after sharing your light with others.
12. Smile!
Your smile is not only your best accessory, but as Mother Theresa said, it is also “an action of love, a gift… a beautiful thing.”
And there you have it! Don't forget that self-love starts with YOU!
