Self-love means more than just bubble baths
How can we expect to be everything, when we can't even give ourselves 5 minutes?!
I was the girl always on the move, driving from one stop to the next, no not like that cool gypsy chick on Instagram, the one who had her entire life basically in her car, would eat in the car, take naps (yes) in the car, work from the car, change in the car... literally running from one appointment to the next - I had a house, and a bed, but I was always so busy making others happy, saying YES to everything until I realised it wasn't making me happy.
Go figure right.
I remember a friend said to me that age-old saying to 'stop and smell the roses once in a while' and I thought yes yes, of course, but it wasn't till I started looking at my lifestyle; that I quickly ran out of steam, got overwhelmed and basically had a melt down and got sick was the only time I took time out for me.
I started hearing about 'self-love' more and more, people, you were barking up the wrong tree - I had no time for bubble baths and candles!
The more I heard about it, like gentle whispers the more I realised it was far more than that and thatI had no idea how sit still, be with myself or fill up my own cup before I could help fill up others.
Now I have learnt to flow into self-love practices I've learnt that this term can mean something different for each person, because we all have many different ways to show that we love ourselves.
The real question is, why should we even care?
Well, from my site you will be able to see, I am strongly passionate about wellness, and If you want true wellness, you have to start from within...
Here are some things I've found useful on my journey:
1. Create a self-love ritual.
Before getting out of bed, don't turn on any electrical devices and unplug from social media for at least 15 minutes. My favorite way to start the day is to meditate. I lay down in my bed (you can sit up, but that's my practice), eyes closed, listen to a guided meditation (that helped me in the beginning to turn-off and not think about the day's to do lists). You can find my 6 day 'I love mornings and mornings love me podcast on iTunes" for more tips on morning rituals.
Once I finish, I stop and thank my body and shower myself with gratitude's and what I am grateful for in my life.
2. Build a precious community.
As much as we would like to think we can, we can’t do everything ourselves. You need the support and love from people around you to stay motivated and on track. Positive energy is contagious, so whether you’re building a network or planning to go to a fun event, it’s always important to have a community you value around you regularly. If you have not checked out or Live Life Generation facebook community, where you can be part of building a community and link arms to become one of our business partners to build your own community and create your dreams - find us on facebook "Live Life Generation" group and ask to be accepted!
3. De-clutter your closet and your life!
Seriously how many of us have that draw in our houses or rooms... you know the one, my mum calls it the 'shit draw', and you know why, it's for everything and nothing. Basically a draw just taken up by meaningless stuff.
Removing this mess may be more therapeutic than you initially think. Cleaning out your closet will help you not only clean your room up a bit, but will positively affect your mind. Getting rid of old things will make room for new things to come in to your life!
Like cleansing your body, we need to cleanse our space too, see if you can let go of clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. that remind you of a certain time in your life that links to a negative vibration. Don’t chase what’s already happened; love yourself enough to know the best is yet to come and say to yourself "how can it get any better"... the universe is listening, it will get better!
4. Stop the guilt and stop the comparisons.
Ladies, we’ve all done it. Browsed through Instagram only to see other women in the middle of a photo shoot for their new book, new podcast, new fashion line, maybe traveling or getting engaged - sometimes it is hard to see much positivity on social media, especially if you're having a bad day. But girl, remember behind closed doors we are all the same, we all go through bad days, bad moments and Instragram just doesn't show that... you are perfect just the way you are; being in a pattern of compare and despair only makes you focus on the negative, when there's SO much to be grateful for, so eat them fries, don't photoshop yourself, and have a happy cleanse day!
5. Do something new
Sometimes we need to stop and listen to what would make us happy. Is that going to try a cooking class, try a new hobby, go to a new cafe, play tourist in your own city or even read a new book.
Whatever would make you smile, break out of the mundane, make you truly happy and get excited do that - as long as it is something you would LOVE to do or try! Because nothing says self-love than doing more of what makes your soul happy!
Sometimes it's also a good self-esteem booster, trying a new activity you're good at or love will not only boost your endorphins, but will bring out the best version of you. If you love to cook, then go to a cooking class and try something new! If you love to run, then grab those sneakers, head outside to somewhere new and run for your life girl!
Some other things I love include:
Fill your body with food and drink that nourishes it and makes it thrive!
Move that gorgeous body of yours every single day and learn to love the skin you’re in - because the path to love can’t start with hate!
Cut down on the caffeine - those 10 coffees are not worth it, find a natural boost.
Surround yourself with people who love and encourage you. Let them remind you just how amazing you are.
End all toxic relationships. Seriously. Anyone who makes you feel anything less than amazing doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life.
Celebrate your wins, even if its a small one!
Embrace and love the things that make you different. This is what makes you special.
Eat slowly, with purpose, don't eat and multitask!
Practice saying NO
Follow your passion. You know that thing that gets you so excited but scares you at the same time. The thing you really want to do but have convinced yourself it won’t work. You should go do that!
Be mindful of what you think, feel and want. Live your life in ways that truly reflect this.
Smile, dance, sing or just do the moon-walk like Michael Jackson to your fridge!
Give someone else a compliment.
Write a forgiveness letter to yourself! You know that thing you did one time (or maybe a few times) that made you feel bad, embarrassed, ashamed? It’s time to let that go. You can’t change the things you have done in the past but you can control your future. Look at it as a learning experience and believe in your ability to change.
Have a cheat meal once a week
Write it down. Head swimming with so many thoughts it’s giving you a headache? Write them all down on a piece of paper, no matter how crazy, mean, sad, or terrifying they are. Keep it in a journal, tear it up, burn it, whatever you need to do to let it go.
Dedicate one day to treat yourself like a queen, wear those sexy or cute pjs (not the oversized shirt), for no one else but you, read, have a cuppa tea in bed on fresh sheets - because you are worth all that self-lovin'!
Get creative and express yourself in whatever way you like. Painting, writing, sculpting, building, music, whatever takes your fancy, and make sure you leave your inner critic at the door. There are no right ways to be creative.
Buy yourself flowers - the ones that catch your eye.
Stop procrastinating - it's not getting you anywhere
Let go of past trauma and wounds. This can be a really tough one and it may be one of those times you need to turn to others for support. The truth is though, when we let go of things that have happened to us it’s almost like a weight is lifted off our shoulders. We don’t have to carry that around with us anymore. We deserve better.
Say your Self-love mantra: “I am enough. I have enough. I do enough.”
Use Essential oils to bring you back to you and to find your happy place. Where’s the one place you feel totally at ease, calm, happy, positive, high on life? Imagine being there in that place when you are going through hard times. Think about how it feels, what it smells like, what it looks like.
The next time you are feeling happy and on top of the world make a list of your best qualities and accomplishments. It may sound a little corny, but it can be a wonderful reminder when you are having a day that’s less than amazing.
Have fun & shake your booty to some music you love when you are getting dressed!
Most of all, don't be so hard on yourself, you are doing the best you can right now
WANT TO JOIN US:
We have created a space for women to breath, to ditch the guilt, to remember who you are and live more fully and to live that guilt-free lifestyle + become the you you were born to be.
Get in touch for more information livelifegeneration@gmail.com
