Love Yourself!

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and love is in the air!  Since we often spend so much time focusing our energy on our loved ones, let’s take some time to fall in love with ourselves – just the way we are!  A positive body image keeps your confidence high and makes you feel better about yourself.  Read on for some tips to help you foster and maintain a positive relationship with your body.
 

1. Think about what you love about your body.  Instead of letting your mind wander to what you want to change about your body, let it wander to what you currently love about your body.  While this may seem awkward at first, give it time and practice!  Growing body love is a day-by-day thing.
   
2. Appreciate what your body does for you.  When you concentrate on all of the amazing things your body allows you to do, you start to look at it in a different light.  For example, you can be grateful for your strong arms from weight training so you can lift your kids with ease.
   
3. Work out to feel good; not to burn calories.  When you shift your mindset and work out to feel strong and vibrant, you’ll keep going back for more.  Find a workout that makes you feel good and empowered, and do more of it!
   
4. Don’t be afraid to cheat.  When you deprive yourself of something you love (ie., chocolate, coffee, candy, etc.), you’ll find yourself wanting it even more.  Just remember that moderation is key!
   
5. Surround yourself with supportive people.  Choose people who make you feel happy, positive and calm.  The more you fill your life up with positive influences, the more you feel comfortable in your own skin.
   
6. Forget about the number on the scale.  It’s only a number!  Let how you feel guide you.  When you’re nourishing yourself with healthy meals, exercising your body and moving forward for YOU, everything will fall into place.
   
7. Make time for yourself.  When you don’t care for yourself, it’s hard to care for others.  Taking time to do the things you love will allow you to be the best version of yourself.
   
8. Create a grateful mindset.  Appreciate you’re healthy and that your body allows you to move.  True body love and acceptance starts when you honour your body just the way it is.
   
9. Remember, it’s not about you.  If people say hurtful things to you about your physical appearance, remember – it’s not about you!  They’re working through their own stuff.  People, things and situations show up in our lives because we need to learn how to gracefully work through them so that we can grow.
   
10. Wear clothes that make you feel good.  If you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re going to feel uncomfortable.  Don’t wait until you reach a certain size to buy those new jeans if you need them.  Make yourself a priority right now!
    

 
Self-love is something we can choose – the same way we can choose anger, hate or sadness.  We can choose to be grateful for what we have.  We can choose love.  It’s always a choice within us.