I am a self-love advocate, and if you're not, then you should be.
Self-love is a movement that is sweeping across the globe that I believe is so incredibly important. In today's culture, we are taught that we are not enough, no matter who we might be. That's just a fact. Take a look around. We are immersed in a world that is constantly searching for the "perfect" person. There's no such thing. We are people and we are human. We are not made to be perfect. Our purpose in life isn't to be attractive or to have the most money or to beat everyone else, contrary to what society is telling us.
Self-love means admitting to yourself that you are amazing. That you are doing great in life. It means forgiving yourself when you mess up and learning to move on. It means taking care of your mind and body. It means doing what's best for you instead of always thinking of others (not that you shouldn't think of others. But you've got to leave room in there for yourself too). Self-love in its purest form is simply giving yourself the time and care you deserve. But practicing self-love isn't just a once-a-week kind of thing. Self-love is an all-the-time kind of thing. There's nothing selfish about caring for yourself.
So here are a couple things that you should be telling yourself EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Because you know what? You freaking deserve it.
(Also, many people are under the impression that self-love is quite the same as self-obsession but before you jump to that conclusion, I address the issue at the bottom of the page so please read that first.)
1. I am adorable.
I don't care who you are—you're adorable—in the best way possible. Keeping rocking those smiles.
2. What I've gone through in life does not define me.
Just one example, but an important one. Megan's got some great things to say that are changing the way that we view bodies and mental illness in our communities, along with how to lead a positive and fulfilling life. I totally recommended checking her out. Megan's insta is @bodyposipanda and you can also check her out on her website: http://www.bodyposipanda.com/
3. Today, I will show love in every way possible.
Yeah, let's hug people more.4. It's okay to not be ready for something.
As long as you don't use it as an excuse to avoid, taking your time is healthy. Let yourself be ready for whatever lies ahead before jumping in. Don't avoid, but know your limits.5. Yeah, everything's going to be okay.
6. I will accomplish at least one thing today.
Sometimes that one thing is getting out of bed. Sometimes it's getting your homework in on time or making that new recipe that you've been meaning to try. Celebrate what you do.7. I am worth loving.
Yep. You are. And it's okay to say it. "I AM WORTH IT." Yes, you darn well are.Self-love vs. Self-obsession
Self-love is pretty great but there are a lot of accusations out there that self-love is an excuse for humans to be people who are obsessed with themselves, lazy, walled from others, and/or stuck-up (plus more). This could not be more true. Self-love is a movement that is meant to spread love. Yes, we tell people to love themselves. To celebrate their bodies. To forgive themselves. Self-love does not promote anyone being above anyone else. Everyone is worthy of love. Everyone deserves to wake up in the morning and feel okay with life and who they are. Everyone is worthy of feeling accepted. You might feel like you have your life together and that you're okay with who you are, but not everyone does. Everyone is at a different point in their lives and have gone through different things to bring them to that place. Self-love, and all that it encompasses, saves lives. And if I can save lives through promoting love then I'm very much going to do that, and I hope that you will too.
Astrology in the Age of Doubt
You Should Read Paris Hilton's Memoir, Too
How Can Schools Do Better?
