6 Ways To Love Yourself & Build Self-Respect
We all love people in our lives and we try our very best to be there for them, love them and treat them right. So when the unthinkable happens and the very same people hurt us badly, we feel so betrayed and hurt that seems like our hearts are about to collapse.
When a friend or loved one stops caring for us, it shatters our self-esteem in a very deep way. We wonder how is it possible that someone who loved us so much before has turned into a complete stranger, in just a matter of months. We seek answers but sometimes we just don’t get them. If we do, they make little sense. While the other person is moving on rather quickly like we have never existed, we are left all alone with a bleeding heart an a shattered self-esteem.
Is it possible to move on and learn how to love ourselves again after such experience? And most importantly, be able to trust and love again in the future?
Even though you cannot see it right now, the short answer is YES, OF COURSE! But everything takes time and patience. I compiled 6 simple ways to help you love yourself and achieve the kind of HAPPINESS you deserve.
ACCEPT YOURSELF
You don’t have to be like everybody else to be worthy. You ARE already worthy! Use positive affirmations that can help you during this process. You can write them down and stick them around your house. Some of those affirmations could be: “I am worthy” “I choose to love myself today” “I am beautiful” and repeat them many times throughout the day. Your self-worth should never depend on the perception or opinion of anyone else but *you*. Once you understand that, you will be less likely to become emotionally dependent on others.
LET GO NEGATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Never lose yourself while trying to hold on to someone who doesn’t care about losing you. Accept the fact that there are relationships in your life that are just not meant to be… no matter how much you want it.
Caring about someone is a natural act that comes from the heart but it takes two to tango. It cannot be forced or imposed. Letting go someone who doesn’t care about us shouldn’t be hard but it is hard.
However, it is harder to stay and be subjected to their indifference and coldness. We certainly cannot control how a person feels or acts towards us but we have complete control of whether or not, we choose to accept that treatment.
BUILD CONFIDENCE
Do not spend any time comparing yourself with others. You are too wonderful for that, instead make a list of all your greatest qualities and think about the times you have applied them in your life successfully. Think about how proud you were of yourself and how amazing you felt.
Well, these qualities still there all you have to do is uncovered them and let them become part of you again. Do the things that make YOU happy.
VOLUNTEER
There is nothing more effective in helping a painful heart than service. It allows us to give freely without expecting anything in return. It humbles us, it makes us appreciate life, it allows us to realize that there are good people out there who need our love, kindness and consideration and that the pain we are are feeling right now is just temporary for greater things to come into our lives.
We are wonderful and we deserve it, all we have to do is wait and let our light shine.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF PHYSICALLY
When you don’t feel good about yourself, it automatically reflects on the outside. Exercising, walking, doing yoga or practicing a sport can help you release all endorphins, A.K.A “happy hormones” (singing too!) allowing you to feel better and looking forward to positive experiences in the future.
Love yourself by taking care of your body. Drink lots of water and eat healthy, clean foods. Taking care of your health is a very important aspect of loving yourself.
HAVE A ‘ME’ TIME
No matter how hectic your schedule might be, find time to do something that will bring a smile to your face and will rejuvenate you. Maybe it is a pedicure or manicure, watching a movie or simply cooking your favorite dish. Whatever it is, make sure the focus is the amazing YOU: The star and protagonist of your own movie.
Let this little time to be sacred by not allowing any negative thoughts to poison your mind. Allow true peace to fill your heart and soul and let it help you find contentment and happiness with yourself.
I am positive (pun intended 😉 ) that you have many other tips to share about how to learn to love ourselves. Please share it below!