The seasons change, inevitable growth is happening, and people often become down with the onset of colder weather. Sometimes, as the leaves fall, it seems like nothing goes your way, or you're not able to love yourself as much. The following pieces of advice are the key to learning to love yourself more and more every day.
1. Realize that you are worthy.
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You are worthy by the sheer fact of your existence. Do not let anyone tell you any less. Do not allow someone to diminish your worth through their own insecurity. No matter how difficult of a day, a week or a month you are having, you are still deserving of recognition as a human being. You are still worthy of loving yourself even when it feels like nobody else will. Be in your own corner, no matter what.
2. Stop being afraid of the word "no."
In life, you are allowed to pursue your own happiness. Do not let other people's overlapping expectations of you alienate your own preferences in the slightest. You are allowed to decline invitations, to refuse an extra piece of chicken, to skip a class because you need a day to yourself. You are not any less of a functional human for learning to say the word "no."
3. Allow yourself to relax.
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Stress is a monster; in the worst cases, it takes your self-esteem and throws it into the abyss right alongside your hopes and dreams. Look this monster in the face and slay it. If you take the time for yourself along the way, whether it be a bubble bath or a glass of wine, your overall happiness will stand a much better chance of surviving whatever life throws at you.
4. Stop trying to please everyone.
Your life is your own; there will inevitably be some times where people won't like you, or they won't like something that you choose to do. You cannot hope to please every single person on this planet; human nature will do enough to destroy your self-image if you do. If you are at peace with your soul, do not allow others to create a war within your heart.
5. Don't get worked up about things that don't matter.
In the grand scheme of things, that one failing test grade or missed promotion will not make an irreparable impact on your life. You are not your failures, and you are not defined by a laundry list of the minor mistakes you've made throughout your life. Instead of worrying, attempt to fix it the best way you can and move on from it. Dwelling on the past only creates bad feelings.
6. Don't equate perfection with happiness.
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Perhaps this piece of advice is most important. Those who strive constantly for perfection will never truly be happy, because true perfection is not achievable. We've all tried, no doubt about it -- but your happiness and your worth as a human being should not be defined by standards of "perfect" and "imperfect." You are you, you are alive, and you are only perfect because you are not perfect. Allow your happiness to stem from things besides impossible ideals.
