In the bible it says that out of all of the things God wants us to do is to LOVE people for who they are! TO love each other as I love you. So when I started to think and plan out this website I pondered what topic to start with. Without Love we are nothing! Whether it is the Love of another or to just Love ourselves! For these reasons, I chose to start with LOVE.

1) Self-aware - Trying to understand what your thoughts are about, how your emotions play into it and what you value. To understand these things helps you gain a clear picture of yourself. Take time to learn about who you are, how you view yourself and how you think the universe views you. One thing that I do for self-care is deal with a issue like my pain from arthritis. I went online and did extensive research and spoke to professionals on how to deal with it from a natural standpoint. I know put frankincense and helichrysum on areas each night and it helps me deal with pain. I laugh at myself because "I'm all lubed up and ready for bed". I give my friends a good laugh when I say it!

2) Self-Acceptance - Here is the hard part. Embracing all parts of yourself. You need to accept all of your flaws, imperfections and faults without judgement. Love all of  - You, Good or Bad!  Everyday you need to say this to yourself as your are brushing your hair, your teeth or some other habit you do every morning before you start your day. A Self-Pep talk everyone morning will help set the day up for positivity!

God Doesn't Make Junk!

3) Positive Self-talk - No room for negativity in your life, only self-affirmations. You bring back from the universe the vibes you put out there. Make sure what is ask for is what you truly want! Just keep in mind sometimes what you want and put out there isn't what the universe thinks you need, learn to trust the vibe 

4) Self-Care - Do activities that nourish your physical, mental and emotional well being. Such as eating healthy, exercise, relaxation techniques, music that you enjoy, learn a language and your hobbies. Doing things for yourself seems so un-natural for most of us, but don't feel guilty it's important to take care of yourself so you can help others.

5) Gratitude Practice - Focus on positive aspects of your life and appreciating what you have. Start a gratitude journal or a gratitude jar of blessings. Instructions for these two ideas are in my Bullshit extras drop down. 

6) Mindfulness  - Being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Understand that it is okay to feel the way you do! Acknowledge your feelings and make sure you know your okay!

Things to Practice

1) Find your strengths - this helps you to regain your self-worth, will support your goals and helps you with your future. List your strengths in your gratitude journal. It is not being pompous or boisterous be proud!

2) Set Achievable goals - don't be afraid to dream big! Sometimes in order to get there you must set small ones as well.

3) Challenge Negative thoughts - when you have negative thoughts practice putting them back into the universe. Negative thoughts appear because the Devil doesn't want you to succeed, when you are experiencing negative thoughts you are getting closer to God's plan for you.

4) Self-compassion - Treat yourself with kindness, give yourself a HUG often. 

5) Engage in activities that you enjoy - right now an I am enjoying learning Italian. It is so exciting to remember the words. I am at the 6 month mark and it is so rewarding to actually be so close to handle conversational Italian soon. Makes me proud of my accomplishment. Another activity is designing and learning how to create this website. I hardly had any help and I am proud of me!

6) Seek support - Talk to someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Sometimes hearing them say something back to you that you already know "cements it in your heart". If that makes sense?

Exercise To Do - What do I like?

I. What do I like?

Do you remember the movie "The Runaway Bride" starring Julie Roberts and Richard Gere? In the movie Julia keeps running away from several grooms. Richard is sent to her hometown to do a story for a New York magazine. As he gets to know her he notices that she conforms to every groom she has been in love with. When he asks her "what kind of eggs do you like?", she didn't know what kind. He told her before you are in any kind of relationship you need to love and know yourself. As I watched the movie about 18 years ago I realized I was the same way. From that moment I spent a lot of time getting to know me. It was like I was avoiding getting to know me because I felt unloved and unworthy. So please sit down and really think about these questions and answer them honestly. Then go back after a couple of days and look at your answers. I try to revisit this exercise at least once a year. I also go back and read what I wrote in prior years. 

1) 3 things I appreciate about myself?

2) What activities bring me genuine joy?

3) What is one small act of kindness that I do for myself?

4) What are my core values and am I living by them?

5) How can I better care for my physical and mental health? (Eat 10 lbs. of chocolate and have great sex)

6) When was the last time I truly felt proud of myself? (Building this website)

7) What are my strengths and how can I utilize them more?

8) What is my self-compassion?

9) How do I respond to setbacks and can I approach them with more self-confidence?

"Your soul will never be fully nourished by anyone's love but your own." Dominee