Learning to Love Yourself

“Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” -Whitney Houston.

With the age of social media, constant comparison, and just not feeling good enough, it is becoming harder and harder to love ourselves as women. We scroll through Instagram wishing we could look like this influencer and carry ourselves like that influencer. We look in the mirror criticizing every inch of our bodies. According to DoSomething.org, approximately 91% of women are unhappy with their bodies and resort to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape. Only 5% of women naturally have the body often portrayed by American women in the media. About 58% of college women feel pressured to be a certain weight. Women are always wishing they could be someone or something they are not. Rarely are women satisfied with how they look, which in turn affects how they feel.

It is time to change that. It is time women stop comparing themselves to unrealistic influencers. It is time women believe they are enough. It is time for women to learn to love themselves as they are.

Learning how to love yourself is not selfish. It is actually the most selfless thing you can do. Here are some of the many helpful tips to practice self love:

❤ Forgive your past self and arrive in the present moment.

❤ Acknowledge who you are and what you have accomplished.

❤ Value yourself and your time.

❤ Tell yourself about your good qualities each day.

❤ Practice gratitude.

❤ Surround yourself with loving and supportive influences.

❤ Stand up for what you deserve. Be strong!

Remember that loving yourself is not something that happens overnight. Be patient with yourself and take as much time as you need. Always celebrate the little wins in this journey and do it for yourself.