If you’re questioning how to love yourself, this blog post is for you.
Note: This blog post does discuss abuse.
I was sitting in the chair at the dentist’s office as the dental hygienist was cleaning my teeth.
For some reason, we got into a conversation about abuse (probably because I’m a social worker), and she proceeded to tell me about her family member who was abused, and how she became promiscuous. Promiscuous was her word, not mine.
As the dental hygienist continued to clean my teeth and continued to talk about her family member, she then proceeded to tell me that if her family members’ abuse really caused her pain, she wouldn’t be doing what she was doing.
Once I had a moment to breathe and talk, I politely said, “Trauma affects many people in different ways.”
What stuck out to me that day is not only that this woman was not aware of how trauma affects people, but also that I was that girl that was affected by trauma. I was that girl.
I thought I had to do certain things because that’s what I was taught.
I had to play a certain role because that’s what I did to survive.
I did certain things because no one else showed me differently.
Loving yourself after such pain and trauma is a hard road.
One that many don’t want to journey on because that road is paved with potholes, turns, and u-turns.
But, I’m here to tell you that you can love yourself again even after the choices, shame, and self-hatred.
6 Tips To Loving Yourself Again
Here are my 6 tips for loving yourself again even if you have a past like mine. If you want to read more of my story, there are links below. You can love yourself again.
1. Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is so helpful when you are in the depths of self-hatred or feeling like you don’t love yourself.
With every negative thing you think, say something positive about yourself.
It changes the narrative in your mind.Ex. I always get this wrong. Instead say, Well I have to start somewhere, and I haven’t gotten it yet. But I will.
2. Celebrate The Wins
Celebrate your victories even if they are small.
You celebrate them!
If that means you stood up for yourself, celebrate that.
If you run 1 mile, girl you celebrate that!
If you tried your favorite recipe and it was amazing, you celebrate it!
3. Enjoy Life
Enjoy life. Enjoy the life that God has given you, which means enjoy the things you love.
If that means you take a bubble bath daily, girl you do it.
If that means you play tennis, girl you do it!
For me, it’s gymnastics. I go every Sunday and tumble. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
Maybe for you, enjoying life isn’t a sport. That’s fine, but maybe it’s taking an art class, trying a new restaurant, or hosting that event you want to host so badly. Girl, do it!
Loving yourself is possible so you can enjoy life.
4. Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
I know with social media, comparing seems easier than ever, but it doesn’t help with the self-love area.
You are wonderful, brilliant, and amazing just the way you are, and no one can compare to you.
So, stop comparing yourself to others because you aren’t comparable! You are amazing!
5. Find Healthy Habits
Finding healthier ways of life sounds easy, but what does that even mean?
Drinking more water, sleeping enough, having a sleeping routine, and eating when you are hungry.
The other part of being healthy is taking care of your mental health, whether that’swith medication (even if it’s for a short period of time) or seeing a therapist.
Also, invest in your goals. There are amazing life coaches available to help you on your new loving yourself journey.
6. Journaling With God
I carve out an hour of my day each morning for journaling with God. I read my Bible, listen to a bible podcast (The Bible Recap), and journal.
There are amazing benefits to journaling.
Journals might be coming to the shop soon.
Journaling helps with thinking, goals, stress, and anxiety.
It’s also a good dumping ground for your prayers to Jesus.
I know loving yourself takes time, and is challenging. Some days you feel you are doing great, and other days, you feel like you made the wrong turn.
But I’m confident these 6 tips will help you get back on the right road, the road toward freedom.
If you want to hear more from Broken Until Now subscribe to the blog and follow us on Instagram at brokenuntilnow.
Here are more blog posts for you to enjoy.
3 Tips On How To Tell Your Life Story
A Blog For Women: Broken Until Now
Blessings,
Ashley Marie
