7 Steps To Love Thyself

The availability of self-help articles online makes it so much easier to transform form a low achiever to a more all-rounded person. But those advices can be quite convoluted and hard to implement. Why not start with something easier but not necessarily unimportant, such as loving yourself?

Despite all the tips and life hacks out there, I think the base of personal development comes down to something simpler: How much do you love yourself? I'm not talking about the kind of egotistical love based purely on pleasure and fame, but rather I'm talking about the strength of your relationship with yourself. Today I'd like to share with you 7 ways to love yourself and help you plugin to your identity.

It's Okay To Have Made Mistakes

I used to blow my mistakes out of proportion without realizing what I was doing is disconnecting me and myself.

I know people who have carried their mistakes with them their entire life, and as result they remain unhappy at the core. I know what it's like to make a mistake and feel like you shouldn't be forgiven, but that kind of thinking is nonsense. There is no action not worthy of forgiveness. Forgiveness may take time, but don't look back at your mistakes as a fatal flaw you must fix, instead choose to embrace them completely as the whole person you are. Forgiving yourself for your mistakes and shortcomings can be difficult and does take practice, but it remains essential in loving yourself fully.

Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

I'm just as guilty as the next person in this area, for this is something that I too am struggling with even today. But as I've come to realize the more you compare yourself to others the less self worth you place on yourself. When I became the main writer of this blog back in early February, I was somewhat insecure as to how I was going to be received. Taking over one of the most popular personal development blogs in the world is no easy feat, especially when Glen provided so much value day in and day out.

I questioned myself when I first got my job and couldn't help but comparing myself with the previous staff. But later I know the comparison is meaningless and pretty stupid in fact.

You Don't Need Them To Nod

Seeking approval is similar to comparing yourself to others, and it's fair to say that we all do it from time to time. I'm not going to lie and say I've never sought approval from my family or friends, but I'm also going to tell you that when approval was my main focus those were also not the happiest times in my life.

My dream to be an entrepreneur, writer and orator does not impress the people around me. But I am sure if I must live on with approval from others, the relationship I have with myself is going to suffer. It doesn't mean you have to ignore the advice from your friends and family. You can still listen to them. At the same time, you must listen to your voice and rely on your inner thoughts.

Have Faith In Yourself

Loving and believing in yourself go hand in hand. You can't love yourself if you don't believe in yourself, and you can't believe in yourself if you don't love yourself first. To fully experience what it means to live you must have a confidence in all you do, even during the times in which you come up short.

Believing in yourself can be hard at times, especially when nothing seems to be going right, but it is during those times that you need your own love the most.The wonderful about believing in yourself is that you are the only one responsible. You don't need a stamp of approval before you can to begin to have faith in yourself.

Trust that the choices you have made, good or bad, are going to make you a more fabulous person.

Live In Stillness

Usually when I am in tranquility, I can feel joy easily. I am the gregarious type but I can survive in isolation. Either meditating or slow-walking can help re-discovering oneself.

The linkage of stillness and love may be vague to some, but the spiritual connection I have with myself can often be achieved through the practice of silence, even though I am not devoted to any religion.

Tranquility kills skepticism and noise, enabling us to feel the joy of simply being alive. We should all return to such stillness every day.

Have Healthy Diet And Physical Exercises

Body care is essential in self-love. Drinking or munching French fries once in a while doesn't hurt but don't make it a habit, for physical and mental health go together.

Be Expressive

We are all gifted -- whether it is the talent of writing, painting or compassion for people and the world. Don't put your talent into waste. Love yourself by showcasing your inner beauty.