We are so very critical of ourselves, it is heartbreaking. We tend to think if we lost ten pounds (or 20, or 100, or 5) that our lives would magically become perfect, or that if we only had a tan, or a fuller mouth, or a different shade of hair… I want to tell you that none of those things will fix you, nor fix your life, nor make you feel better for longer than short term.

It took me a long time to learn this, but wherever you go, there you are. We each have to deal with our individual problems within ourselves first. We have to learn to love ourselves. You can learn how amazing and beautiful you are. Honest.

Look in a mirror, not critically, but with great love and affection. Imagine yourself how a parent or favorite adult saw you as a child… how adorable you were, and how adorable you still are. Close your eyes and see yourself as a love interest first saw you, how you appear to your best friend, and what you look like to your child. Think about your friends, and how amazing they look, think about the gifts that every person brings to your life, and think about what they look like again. Now do it for yourself. Open your eyes and look at yourself with love, with affection, with forgiveness. Give yourself a little hug or pat on the back. Laugh at yourself. You are going to be in this relationship for the rest of your life, may as well make it fun!

I find that truly loving yourself makes you treat your body differently. You want to eat foods that will enhance your body’s performance, not slow it down. You no longer want to smoke, drink to excess, or eat a whole box of cookies. There are days, however, when to love yourself is to eat a few cookies, and that’s OK, you deserve comfort, you deserve love, you deserve affection. When you give it to yourself, and give it to others, you will feel it flow back to you. A smile is the best curve on a woman’s body, so smile, relax, and enjoy.

About the author:
MamaSteph has 2 kids by birth and several by love, she is a nurse and enjoys finding healthier ways to make comfort foods, gardening, enjoying nature, and living life to the fullest…