I choose to love myself…

Hello Beautiful,

Do you love yourself?

I know, it’s an interesting question right? And most likely slightly off putting and challenging to answer, but I hope thought provoking, and gives you time to pause and reflect on your emotional wellbeing.

As a woman we are inundated with daily messages that suggest we are lacking somewhere. From fashion magazines and instagram influencers, to what society “thinks” is a normal body size and the overwhelming ads for health food and fitness promos… any of these can send messages that are overwhelmingly destructive to anyones self esteem, self worth and self love.

Messages such as:

We should be younger, thinner…

We should be happy, energetic and always capable…

That wrinkles are taboo, saying no thank you is rude…

and having your own needs is selfish…

Let me tell you… There is no such thing as perfect, it just isn’t possible!

Personal story

I remember a few years ago overhearing a young woman in one of my barre classes complain to a friend she was disappointed someone “my age” was teaching the class — I was subbing that particular class. Her comment bruised my ego and for a fraction of a second I felt too old, not good enough and doubted my capability to lead a great class. But I recovered quickly and saw all the friendly faces eagerly anticipating the start of class. There was a time while I was teaching that I wanted to “prove” my worth to that young woman, but reminded myself not everyone had to like me. At the end of class, I was greeted with an overwhelming thank-you and a humble apology from the client. She told me, my class was one of the best she had ever taken and has continued to be a loyal client to this day.

It’s no surprise that self-love can be a challenge for women in a society that’s always telling us we aren’t enough. Overhearing someone call out my lack of worth simply on an opinion with no basis ruffled my feathers, and had I been a much younger version of myself, her comment would have taken me days to get over. As it was I had already established a strong self-love practice and gracefully chose to focus on what I knew to be true. I knew I was a damm good instructor!

Thankfully, that conversation is starting to shift. Women are uplifting each other and celebrating each other for who they are not what they “ought” to be. I’m grateful my girls are growing up in a time where this thinking has evolved. Women are valued for who they are in the inside not how they look on the outside. Our children are fortunate to live in an era where women are business leaders, world leaders, doctors, thought leaders…

In the wellness world the messaging is slowly shifting too. Wellness is no longer measured by how we look but how we feel. I’m so grateful emotional health has become as important as physical health and is no longer something we keep secret.

So, how can you develop more self-love?

This is a simple tool I practice every time I feel a little self-doubt creep into my thoughts.

It’s one I use often, anytime I feel shame creeping up on me.

When thoughts of lack and being unworthy shout out their judgment.

It starts with viewing love as an action.

What if showing love—taking physical action to nurture and care for yourself—is the first step to feeling more love for your body?

Sometimes words are not enough. Yes, you can repeat a mantra or two of worthiness. But taking radical inspired action is a bolder option. Kind of like adding a few squats to your day can improve lower body strength. A daily self love ritual can improve your self worth, self confidence and self-love!

That’s what I’m exploring in my wellness warrior community this month. February is the month of love. And as much as you do for your loved ones, I urge you to turn your attention to practical self-love rituals—showing yourself a little extra love, one small, healthy ritual at a time.

Whether you’re a member of the wellness warrior community or not, I invite you to join us in that practice this month. Whenever feelings of self-doubt, criticism or negative self-talk pop up in your mind, respond by doing something good for yourself.

Ideas:

Go for a walk, make a healthy snack (bliss balls anyone), pour yourself a glass of water, take time out for a 5 minute meditation or simply place your hands on your heart and say, “I love you.”

For more ideas be sure to download my self love rituals guide.

Will you join us?

All my love,

Amanda