“Love yourself first and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world” -Lucille Ball
Louise Hay states that loving yourself heals every problem. It is a pretty big claim but if you think about it, not so far fetched. When we truly love ourselves we ask for the things we want and need, we treat our bodies with the best foods and exercise, we do the things that will most benefit our lives. When we love ourselves we choose nourishing relationships, follow our passions, and express ourselves authentically.
When we love ourselves we don’t spend our day criticizing what we did or didn’t accomplish, eat, or drink. Think about how treat someone you love, especially in the beginning…you focus on all the best things about them. When you love someone you think they are enough, just as they are, right now. You forgive them, you are kind and patient with them, you praise and support them. Do you do this for yourself?
If it is something you struggle with, it is holding you back. Please read over the following tips on loving yourself from Louise Hay. Incorporate as many of them into your life as you can!
1. Stop All Criticism.
Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticize yourself. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes. When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive.
2. Forgive Yourself.
Let the past go. You did the best you could at the time with the understanding, awareness, and knowledge that you had. Now you are growing and changing, and you will live life differently.
3. Don’t Scare Yourself.
Stop terrorizing yourself with your thoughts. It’s a dreadful way to live. Find a mental image that gives you pleasure, and immediately switch your scary thought to a pleasure thought.
4. Be Gentle and Kind and Patient.
Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really loved.
5. Be Kind to Your Mind.
Self-hatred is only hating your own thoughts. Don’t hate yourself for having the thoughts. Gently change your thoughts.
6. Praise Yourself.
Criticism breaks down the inner spirit. Praise builds it up. Praise yourself as much as you can. Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing.
7. Support Yourself.
Find ways to support yourself. Reach out to friends and allow them to help you. It is being strong to ask for help when you need it.
8. Be Loving to Your Negatives.
Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need. Now you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs. So lovingly release the old negative patterns.
9. Take Care of Your Body.
Learn about nutrition. What kind of fuel does your body need in order to have optimum energy and vitality? Learn about exercise. What kind of exercise do you enjoy? Cherish and revere the temple you live in.
10. Do Mirror Work.
Look into your eyes often. Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself. Forgive yourself while looking into the mirror. Talk to your parents while looking into the mirror. Forgive them, too. At least once a day, say, “I love you, I really love you!”
11. Love Yourself . . . Do It Now.
Don’t wait until you get well, or lose the weight, or get the new job, or find the new relationship. Begin now—and do the best you can.
source: healyourlife.com
Advice I Give Myself 