I’ve been thinking about self-love lately. I began researching, and I keep finding that self-love is a key to living a happy and fulfilled life. My drive comes from wanting to improve my own life regularly, and I can’t teach my children unless and until I am doing it myself. My family is the most important thing in the world to me. If I can heal and help them with tools to maneuver successfully and happily through this life, then I feel that is a win. I’ve been researching self-love due to a conversation with my teenage daughter. She was asking how to stop entertaining some intrusive thoughts. We discussed that some people use the term ‘idle hands are the devil’s playground’ to justify staying busy. Perhaps they work, perhaps they escape into hobbies, and some of us write. Journaling and getting to know yourself on a deep level are important and immensely helpful. We explored several ideas that might work for her:
- Dwell on it: Take the time to reflect on the intrusive thoughts and examine their underlying causes. By exploring the root issues, you can gain insight and work towards resolving them.
- Dive into and really get at the root of the issue: Delve deeper into the intrusive thoughts and analyze the underlying emotions and beliefs associated with them. This self-reflection can help uncover patterns, triggers, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Do nothing: Sometimes, accepting and acknowledging intrusive thoughts without trying to actively change or analyze them can be beneficial. Practice mindfulness and allow the thoughts to come and go without judgment or attachment.
- Focus on self-love: Emphasize self-love as a core practice for overall well-being. By cultivating self-compassion, self-acceptance, and nurturing self-care habits, you create a foundation for a happier and more fulfilling life.
- Journal: Writing down our thoughts and feelings, and getting them outside of ourselves, can be cathartic. Sometimes we discover what we are feeling when we write it down.
- Get Creative: Art is a therapeutic outlet to express ourselves artistically in whatever medium works for you.
- Meditate/Guided Meditations: I was surprised that meditation is backed by research. I thought it was some unusual practice. But as it turns out, meditation can soothe your soul and train your system for calm.
When we focus on self-love, everything falls into alignment. Many of my creations aim to help myself or someone I love deal with emotional or mental issues they are facing. I’m compiling a book with a 75-day daily checklist to cultivate a self-love habit in daily life. I am proud that my daughter comes to me, even at 16, to discuss these once-difficult topics. We usually discuss and, as I’ve taught my children, encourage them to research on their own and not just take my word for it. I’m proud she goes and researches to discover what she feels. Today is day 6 of my self-imposed 75-day self-love challenge. I notice I’m calmer, feel happier, and am taking the time to follow full routines, which feels luxurious. I am happy with my progress and find that I’m more patient with my family, focusing on solutions rather than issues. When I can demonstrate self-love and appreciation for myself, I can also promote healthy self-love for my loved ones.
I find the checklist helpful, but I’m proud when I remember without needing the list. I’m excited to see how this improvement looks at the end of the 75 days. I hope you’ll stick around to find out.