Hello, Sunshine! 🌈

Today, let’s embark on an important journey into the world of self-love and self-confidence. These concepts are not just fleeting trends; they are vital priorities that deserve our daily attention. When we cultivate a deep love for ourselves, we become more centered, empowering forces in our own lives and the lives of those around us.

At its core, self-love is about embracing our true selves so that we can evolve into the best versions of who we are meant to be—vibrant individuals capable of making a meaningful impact in the world. I recently listened to an inspiring interview with Matthew Hussey, and one powerful takeaway resonated deeply: “Loving yourself today is your job.” It’s a gentle reminder that caring for ourselves is an ongoing responsibility.

Delving deeper into this topic, I came across a poignant insight: “Treat yourself like you are someone you are responsible for helping—much like you would nurture your own child. You are, after all, raising yourself. You know yourself better than anyone, and to truly care for yourself means making decisions that align with your best interests.” — 12 Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson.

As women, many of us have grown up with messages that prioritize serving others over caring for ourselves. I was taught to believe that I should always put others first, that self-love was a luxury reserved for those who achieved perfection. Reflecting on these beliefs, I realize how misguided they can be. Perhaps you’ve felt it too—that heavy expectation to sacrifice your own needs for the sake of others.

I recently discussed the topic of self-love with my eight-year-old son, and his insights were truly enlightening. He believes that self-love brings a sense of calmness to both the body and soul. According to him, it helps create a healthy balance between seeking love from others and nurturing the love we have for ourselves. I love this. ❤️

My proposal is to cultivate new habits that foster greater self-love. I firmly believe in the power of building these habits gradually—block by block—to create lasting change and personal growth. Here are a few ideas, some of which I’ve already implemented, while others are on my wish list to try:

•  Give Yourself a Daily Hug 🥰

• Start a Self-Love Journal: Write down something you love about yourself every day. Alternate between aspects of your body, mind, soul, and heart. Repeat aloud to yourself, embracing the love you deserve in the here and now.

• Affirmations: Set a phone reminder to repeat, “I am enough. I am enough just the way I am. Yes, I am enough—even with all my mistakes, successes, tears, and laughter. I AM ENOUGH HERE & NOW.”

• Practice Saying “NO”: Daily, say “no” to something or someone. It may be easier if you have kids 😂, but establishing boundaries is crucial for self-care. Saying no is not mean; it creates an opportunity for others to learn from you.

• Create Your Safe Space: Develop an internal sanctuary where you feel safe to be fully yourself. Start by becoming aware of your breath, identifying a comfortable area in your body where you feel at ease. Place your hands there, focus on your breath, and relax. Thank yourself for cultivating this safe space—it will help you express your authentic self in the world.

• Take a moment in silence daily. It could be to meditate, pray or just enjoy the presence of you to you for you.

• Mirror Work: Look at yourself in the mirror daily, in your natural state, and say “I love you” to one part of your body.

• Speak Kindly to Yourself: Treat your inner voice with kindness, both in your thoughts and when speaking to others about yourself.

• Celebrate Every Success: Recognize every achievement, no matter how small, with the same attention you give to your mistakes. 😇

• Dare to Laugh. Dare to make jokes, to be also “the funny you” even if the others don’t get you. I can tell you, it happens to me all the time 🙉 but you know what, today, I am enjoying that. I enjoy a good laugh and I don’t expect any results, just being me, being here and laughing.

• Move Your Body: Engage in fitness not just to look great, but to feel strong, healthy, and vibrant. Exercise provides a sense of empowerment and boosts endorphins, leaving you feeling like a rock star.

• Dress for Confidence: Find a style that truly expresses who you are. Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression.

• Nurture Your Deep Relationships: Your confidence and self-love can flourish in a supportive circle of friends or loved ones. Having one trustworthy person on your journey can be game-changing.

• Focus on the Good: Our thoughts shape our experiences. Make it a point to think positively, as it can significantly affect how you navigate life. Consider setting reminders throughout the day to “focus on the good.”

• Create a Self-Love Mantra: Mine is: “Love Your Own Madness.”

• Dare to feel bad and act on it. Stay in bed longer, do nothing for a long moment, don’t answer your messages, don’t start any habits for a while. Sometimes, we just need to feel bad and it is so OK! It is definitely self-love to accept that. 🫶🏻

And finally, super important, you are doing great whatever you do or don’t do. Progress over perfection. I so much understand that sometimes, it could be such a struggle to just wake up, and any other action may seem like climbing Mount Everest.

Please please please, don’t put any pressure on you. You are doing great just the way you are. Those are just ideas to help you, to help us in our journey to find more inner peace and rise together step by step. And you know what, a break, a step back are just amazing ways to love yourself. Just by being here and now, you are brave. It takes courage to deconstruct all those things and try new things. Just keep showing up for yourself in the most kind and comprehnsive way, that is the most important.

What matters is only to do what is right for you and that YOU ARE ENOUGH, YOU DO ENOUGH.

Let me know what resonates with you and if you discover other habits that help us all LOVE OURSELVES! 🫶🏻

Happy Everything!

With Love,

Cath