Valentine’s Day is approaching, a time when love and affection are shared with others. But what about ourselves? Self-love is a concept that might make some uncomfortable, associating it with vanity or egotism. True self-love is quite the opposite—it’s subtle and humble.
If negative self-talk is driving your fitness journey, it can turn into a spirit-crushing punishment. Let the motivation to live a healthier lifestyle come from feeling good about yourself, believing that you are worth the effort.
If maintaining a strong sense of self-love is a challenge, here’s your homework:
Homework: “I like me” list
Due date: February 14, 2024
Take a blank piece of paper, write at the top “I like (your name), I really do…” (Just breathe, it’ll be worth it.)
In the third person, write out what you truly like about yourself. No apologies or qualifications. No fears of being immodest. No buts. (Avoid things like: “Shelly’s a good cook, but she still has a lot to learn.”) Be honest: what do you really like about yourself, and what do you think other people like about you, too?
A few ideas of things you can include:
Personality traits: “Mary’s a great friend to others, she know when and how to reach out and lift someone’s spirits.”
Physical traits: “Tiffany has a great smile with cute dimples.”
Accomplishments: “Melissa earned that promotion through hard work and resilience.” or “Jenny organized the pantry and the garage all in one day.”
Fill the whole page if you can, and keep going no matter how hard it gets. Move right past any feelings of egotism, you’re allowed to compliment yourself just as you would compliment any other loved one in your life. You don’t have to share this with anyone, but you can if you want.
By focusing on the positives, you’re reprogramming your mind. Believe in yourself. Love yourself. Be whole.
