Be who you are if you aren't You then you are no one

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Loving yourself is an inside job, literally! There is no other way around it. Years of self hate, criticism, I'm not good enough, I'm less than, and I'm worthless are symptoms of the self hate "disease".

The "disease" makes us feel like a victim, and somehow convinces us that we are wrong to think any other way. After all aren't we all supposed to be extremely hard on ourselves and never cut ourselves any slack? If this sounds like you then, you've contracted the "disease".

lov·ing/adjective

 feeling, showing, or indicating great love and affection.

Just like how you feel, show, indicate love for your cat, dog, spouse, mom, etc. you need to do the same for yourself. It's very easy to say, "yeah of course I love myself", but do you really? When was the last time you complimented yourself? When was the last time you said, "I love my body"? When was the last time you actually told yourself, "I love you"?

Little daily practices like such will not only help to build up your self-esteem, but also your self-love. Now it won't be an overnight process, but remember it's more important to have patience and do the work necessary. The inner work.

I am a "victim" of this disease too and I know what it's like to hate yourself. I spent years convincing myself that I am good for nothing. I didn't even have the confidence to look someone in the eye when I spoke. I cried myself to sleep at night because of how miserable I felt.

The bottom line to all my symptoms was I had convinced myself that I was meant to be this way and it constantly consumed my mind. I decided to dig deeper inside myself to focus on how I feel when I hate myself, when I worry and when I disrespect myself. How do I feel? I don't feel good.Then, I thought about how I feel when I when I'm smiling, inspired and content? I feel good. So wouldn't I want to feel good all the time?

Yes! Just force a smile - even if it feels fake - it will instantly make you feel better!

My go to way for easing the pain of self hate is focusing on my breath. I take big deep breathe in and as I breathe out I say, "I release these unloving thoughts about myself". This gives me the opportunity to soften into love which is healing energy.

Everyone has the potential to love themselves. You are who you are for a reason! It's about learning to embrace that, and truly believing it. Believing in yourself is loving yourself.

Start your day with sending love to yourself, saying out loud in the mirror: I love you! It signifies the appreciation and respect you have for yourself. Surround yourself with images, quotes, people that bring you joy, support and inspire you. They will be your guide on the path back to LOVE, back to you because if you aren't you then, you are no one.

Be patient. Be gentle. Be kind.