That word, say it clear now … L.O.V.E – love! I am not talking about the rockmelons song lovers, but I do want you to sing the word L.O.V.E to the skies. Self-love that is. Say it clear, say it loud, say it proud I LOVE me!

Okay, I’ll admit it feels a little strange and I don’t want you to start thinking I’m some egotistical weirdo so let me explain…

Remember that old saying before you can truly love someone else you must first learn to love yourself? It couldn’t be more true!

In a world of public profiling and in an image driven, consumer society (which I am a part of) it’s so darn easy to get caught up in the comparison game and the feeling of not being “good enough”. Let’s be honest with each other right now … how many selfies did you take before nailing that one profile image on your Insta account?

In a short amount of time you can go from hero to zero! Feeling you are on top of the world… Then you see a post from that beautiful human with the ‘perfect life’ that seems to have it all. You begin to feel like you’re not good enough. You start wishing you had a slimmer waistline, a thigh gap, your dream job, a better personality, darker hair – perhaps if you purchased those shoes you saw last week your life would be complete … ummm STOP. Hammer time!

You are amazing! You are unique! You are beautiful! You are YOU! You have been put on this earth with your own talents, gifts and unique story to share with the world. Be proud of your journey, be proud of where you are in life and be proud of who you are!

The truth is we are all different, unique and special and there is no one quite like YOU. So let your little light shine and be who YOU are and love EVERY part of YOU!

 

Here are Six ways to pump up your self-love!

Gratitude

Gratitude is that one thing that can turn your life into one of feeling as though you don’t have enough – into a life that is complete with all you need and more! Just by shifting your attitude to Gratitude.

I find the best way to practice gratitude is to keep a journal. At the end of the day I take some time out to reflect, and I write one thing that I am truly grateful for. (You can write more than one if you like) There is something quite powerful about seeing the words written in front of you. Looking back through the pages reminds me of the wonderful moments, people and experiences I am given and it fills my heart with happiness.

Pump Yourself Up!

I am obsessed with positive quotes and mantras! I love finding positive messages to post on social media, to pin on my vision board and to remind me that your attitude can change a dreamer into a doer! But while striving for greatness it is also important to recognise the amazing qualities that ALREADY exist within yourself.

Each day choose one thing to say aloud that you love about yourself. It doesn’t have to be physical. It could be that you are an amazing friend or a fantastic mamma! Whatever it is, say it with conviction and believe it with every fibre of your being.

This is key. You have to believe it babes! You are a smart cookie remember? If you have spent the last 10 years proclaiming your hate for your figure, you aren’t going to believe yourself this week when you say you have a rocking hot bod that you love.

Start smaller – perhaps you love your body because of the amazing energy it gives you to be active every day. Or perhaps you love your womanly shape because it has allowed you to carry and nourish your beautiful children. Be real with yourself – this is not a fake it ’til you make it type thing.

Forgive yourself – the past is just that.

This can be a hard one… Saying goodbye to negative energy that you have carried with you for years is not an easy task. It’s confronting as all hell.

“Mistakes” sound like a dirty word and I prefer to not use it. I believe there is no such thing as a mistake but an opportunity. It is the universe allowing you an opportunity to learn and to grow as an individual. I make SOoooo many mistakes. Often my best ideas and my most wonderful opportunities and experiences have evolved from my “mistakes”. I used to have a HUGE fear of failure, of making mistakes and not measuring up, but i am slowly learning  there is no such thing. You determine your own successes by what you take away from the experience.

Ask yourself what you can gain from the experience aka “mistake” when it happens instead of beating yourself up about it. You are human. We are not designed to be perfect robots.

The other important half of this puzzle is forgiveness. Allow yourself to feel your emotion, recognise it and sit with it for a while and then allow yourself to let it go and move forward sistah! Holding on to anger or guilt not only prevents you from living the life of your dreams but it can also be damaging to your health. Your past is just that. It does not define who you are – you do!

YOU time

Take some time out for you and you only. Put it in your diary and commit to it like you would any other meeting or appointment. Take the time out to allow yourself to just be present and in the moment. Allowing time just for yourself is amazing for the soul and is a beautiful way to re-energize yourself for what’s ahead.

This is the time to do something for yourself because you love to do it and for no other reason. It could be visiting your special place and sitting in the peace and quiet, it could be reading a book, taking yourself out for breakfast, attending a yoga or dance class, or indulging in a bubble bath with a glass of vino! Whatever it is, make it a date and enjoy yourself.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Sing it lovers … r-e-s-p-e-c-t, find out what it means to me! This one is about self-respect! In order to improve your self-love we must learn to treat ourselves with the respect that we would expect from others.

Say Whhaaaaaaaaat?

 

Practicing being kinder to yourself. Stop the trash talking about yourself … ESPECIALLY in front of others. Accept a compliment without deflection. Celebrate your strengths and nurture your weaknesses.

The truth is lovers, if you want to be treated with kindness, compassion, understanding and respect, then you must lead the way and respect yourself first. Lead by example and allow others to love you! You are worth it!

Surround Yourself with Beautiful Souls

Surround yourself with people who fill your heart with happiness and make you feel wonderful about yourself! People who allow you to be yourself with #nofilter.

Be with the peeps who encourage your dreams, who laugh and cry with you and make you feel amazing from the inside out. Bestie’s are the BEST and no girl is complete without them!

This week I want you to spoil yourself. Shower yourself with self-love and see the amazing beautiful soul that we all see!

x

Let’s start the self-love right here, right now. Tell me one thing you love about yourself!

Ameka Jane

x

For more Inspiration for the mind, body and soul head on over to my good friends at Raw Blend!