As we welcome the month of love, every year we open our hearts to give and receive love in all its forms from others. This year we challenge you to look within and find love within yourself – for yourself, first.
Love starts with one. It starts with you – the love of self. If you are not full of self-love, you don’t have enough love to give to others, neither can you receive love from others, as it would never be enough to fulfill a heart that doesn’t feel deserving.
Self-love is the only love that can keep your heart full, and allow giving and receiving.
Here are 10 ways to “Self-Lovin’”:
1. Do something nice for yourself once a day.
Whether it’s doing yoga, creating art, writing a letter, gardening, meditating or taking a walk…do something that you love for yourself and by yourself every day. Even if your day is hectic with work and family life – dedicating 15 minutes a day to yourself, your thoughts, mind and body can make a shift in your life and path to self-love.
2. Accept compliments with your head held high.
When someone says something nice to you, accept it with an open mind, heart and take it all in. Believe it! Beyond that, give a compliment to yourself once a day as well.
3. Use Swipes Lovin’ Wipes periodically throughout the day to keep yourself fresh and clean.
Self-Lovin’ begins with Lovin’ your body. Just the way it is. Just the way you are. Attending to yourself, cleaning and refreshing yourself gives you a sense of a fresh start every time you do it. Especially attending to your private area down below, as this is the most sensitive feminine part of your body, where Lovin’ YOU starts.
Swipes Lovin’ Wipes are all-natural, ecofriendly, and made with tree pulp. Letting nature lather your body – and your private area, keeps your fresh, clean and Lovin’ yourself.
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4. Put on music that you love.
Music activates parts in the brain that promote the release of oxytocin and happy thoughts. It can take you back in time to happy memories from the past, or sweet daydreams into the future. Explore new music and let the sounds take over.
5. Buy yourself flowers.
At least once a week. If you have a local fresh market place or farm, make a trip!
6. Eat something healthy, something that makes you feel good about yourself and your body.
7. Eat something that makes you happy, that makes you smile – regardless of weight implications
8. Rekindle an old friendship.
Or just check up on current friends.
9. Volunteer, give, donate
10. Learn something new about yourself every day.
Another good, easy way to start self-love is to think about yourself when you were a child. Remembering yourself when you were a kid, the purity you had, naivety, how cute you were…can help you see yourself with a more nurturing heart, and can help you almost “parent yourself” with unconditional, non-judgmental, pure love. When you see that child in your mind, what do you want to tell him/her? How can you love them, protect them and make them feel secure, happy, and loved?
It’s easier to love the child version of ourselves…our raw original. The version created by others’ opinions of us throughout life is harder to love. It’s full of expectations, demands, disappointments, and judgment. Going back to our roots is a good start. And this meditation is a good technique to train your mind to love yourself and accept yourself. Once you open your heart for yourself, you can open your heart to another, and can make sure they are truly loving you and taking care of that child the way you deserve. Then, you can begin a healthy love exchange with another – only after Lovin’ yourself first.
