10 ways to really love yourself

10 ways to really love yourself

Those of you who regularly read my writings and/or who've heard me speak will know that I often go out of my way to differentiate between real happiness and hedonism or selfishness (which is NOT real happiness). 

One of several key differences is that real happiness is NOT just about "me" but more so, about the relationships in my life, the connectedness and sense of belonging I cultivate and feel. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again that for real and meaningful, deep and enduring happiness…other people matter!

But that being said, if we don't look after ourselves we can't look after others and if we don't truly love ourselves we can't love others. It is, as with many things in life, a balancing act but there's no doubt that part of the act is self-love. 

Which is why we're happy to share with you today this Huffington Post article with 10 keys to self-love (and, therefore, to happiness). Read on and enjoy…

by Joyce Marter

Healthy self-love is the balance between low self-esteem (a lack of self-love) and grandiosity (inflated, false self-love that is actually an overcompensation for a lack of true self-love).

The following are key strategies that are critical in practicing self-love:

1) Consciously choose to be your own best friend. Replace your inner critic with a positive and gentle voice that compassionately coaches you through the trials and tribulations of life. Imagine the grief you will save yourself without the almost incessant criticizing and comparing and instead choosing to tap into the endless source of support that is so readily available.

2) Surround yourself with positive support. Free yourself from toxic relationships and unhealthy life roles by being direct in your communication with others. Mean what you say and say what you mean. Let go of relationships that constrain you and bring you down. Set healthy boundaries, say "no" when you need to, and create space for joy and love in your life. Spend time with people who believe in you and want the best for you.

3) Live your life in a way that is congruent with who you truly are. Be authentic and honest with yourself and others. Don't pretend to be somebody you aren't just to live up to somebody else's standards. Also, don't live your life for somebody else. Be open and real. Free yourself from the opinions of others and care more about if you feel comfortable in your own skin…

…keep reading the full & original article HERE