Yeah, but do you love yourself?

The life coaching gig is all about action because motion helps emotion, and doing is better than telling. Together, we (yes, we – I walk my talk) practice knowing and then loving ourselves before we work on the surrounding issues. 

When I was young, that concept was deemed prideful, selfish, and was clearly misunderstood. Not loving ourselves means that we don’t listen to our needs, respect our desires, or follow our dreams. This makes for people who are unfilled, and unable to cope with the obstacles that cross our paths.

How do we know and love ourselves? I’m so glad you asked. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Clarify: Describe yourself in 50 words or less; then describe your biases. Needing to answer both of these things gives you a clear picture of who you are with the lights on and with the lights off. Try answering these questions to get you started: What do I want? What is missing from my life? What changes do I have to make to get what I want? What are the consequences to making these changes? Who do I dislike and why do I dislike them? Who stands in my way of success and how do I think this is happening?
2. Uncover your strengths: We know some of our strengths, but others can elude us because of outside influences. Answer these questions – Thinking about the past week, when did you feel most energized? What are your favorite things to do when you get to choose your day? In what parts of your life have you had the most success? Remember a time you felt most like you, what were you doing at the time? The answers may or may not surprise you, but they will reveal your strengths.
3. Do the body scan daily. When you scan each area, end with one positive thing about yourself regarding that place. For example: Thoughts – “The blog is a day late. I’m worried about what the vet will say when she calls. I need to take a shower. *I manage my thoughts well and have written them in my journal.”

1. Practice Love yourself Actions: Look in the mirror and tell your body (only)  what you like about it. Listen to your favorite hype music. Drink water and get rest. Feed your body healthy food and the occasional treat. Go for walks in places you love like the forest, a beach, an art gallery, downtown, or around the neighborhood. Make a date with a friend and keep it. Watch a funny program or movie. Journal your thoughts and feelings. Do something creative. Wear clothing that makes you feel special, powerful, sexy, confident, or comfortable because you choose to do so.
2. Stop letting others live rent free in your head when it comes to knowing and loving yourself. “The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

Cheers, to living life on purpose and loving yourself!