10 Ways to Love Yourself in 2016

I’m not one for New Years resolutions. It occurred to me last year that they are rarely accomplished and hardly make you a better person. Add obstacles like health problems, and well, life in general, and these resolutions become pretty unrealistic. So in lieu of resolutions and trying to improve yourself, why not love the person you already are?

1. Make a list of all the things you LOVE about yourself.

This may be difficult at first. Don’t rush this, take some time to yourself to really think about this question. What is it you like about yourself? Are you compassionate? Ambitious? Determined? Write this down and view it often. I promise if you give it thought, you’ll discover you have way more qualities than you thought.

2. Stop speaking negatively of yourself and others.

We don’t even realize how critical we can be or how often we down ourselves. This may be a hard habit to break, but be mindful of whats flowing out of your mouth. Venting can therapeutic, but dwelling in that frame of mind will not help you at all.

3. Learn positive ways to control your negative thoughts.

Catch that negative thought and make it a positive. There is always a silver lining somewhere. Humor is another favorite coping mechanism of mine. Find the irony, the absurd, and have a laugh instead.

4. Writing- What are the best things in life?

Pull out a piece of paper. What are your all time favorite things, people, places, experiences. Your family and friends? That acheivement you worked so hard for? Warm clothes out of the dryer? That vacation you loved? Maybe hot tea and a cool breeze?

5. Writing- What are your favorite quotes? Why do you like them?

Surely at some point you have come across a quote, or several, (a few hundred maybe lol) that have resonated with you. Perhaps it accurately described a feeling or situation, inspired you, made you laugh. Take some time to write down (or print) a few of your favorites. Put them somewhere you will see them.

6. Hang a picture of yourself that makes you feel beautiful.

No matter your feelings about your appearance, you are beautiful because you EXIST. You are one of a kind, no one has experienced what you have and that is intrinsically beautiful. I challenge you to find your favorite picture of yourself, one that makes you feel happy and beautiful. If this picture is not already on display in your home, make it happen now.

7. What were your blessings of 2015?

Maybe you are already in the habit of counting your blessings, or maybe you don’t even like the word “blessing.” Verbiage is irrelevant. What are the good things that happened this year? Maybe it’s been tough, skip over the bad this time, and reflect on the good that transpired in 2015.

8. Create a mantra for the new year.

This can be like a goal, or maybe an attitude, or feeling you want to embrace or internalize. It could be something as short and sweet as “I am loved.” Last year, mine was “I resolve to enjoy life, every moment of it. To share love and gratitude with others and myself, and appreciate the goodness and beauty in the world.” I don’t know if I followed this mantra 100% of the time, but I did pretty good in spite of the challenges life throws in the mix.

9. Make a donation- time, money, goods, skills, try to think out side the box.

Stop thinking of donations solely as money. Many charities need money most of all, and there is nothing at all wrong with a finincial donation, but don’t limit yourself or give up if you don’t have the funds. You have limitless resources to give. You can give lightly used items, maybe contribute your talents, or just volunteer your time. Personally, I think love is the most needed and least given donation. A kind word, a listening ear, a hug, a genuine complement, all of these are in short supply.

10. Commit a R.A.K.

A Random Act of Kindness! Have fun with this. You can even look for ideas online if you’re drawing a blank. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Leave an encouraging note, pay the toll for the person behind you, hold a door open, help some carry their groceries. Even a smile is a random act of kindness if you ask me. 😀

Wishing everyone a happy healthy New Year! Make 2016 great!

💕Michelle