SuzzisSpotlight

Last valentine’s day I was in a relationship with my now ex-partner and I remember the pressure I felt to make valentines day a special day and had all these expectations of how it would go and none of them happened. I remember feeling like I did something wrong, maybe I did not deserve to be happy. Seeing all the loving posts on social media and people bragging about there perfect partner and the amazing day they had left me feeling deflated. 

I had built up this idea of what it should look like in my head and when it did not meet my expectations, I assumed it was my fault. Now I am not saying I did not apricate what my ex got me or how he expressed his feelings at the time, but it didn’t feel like how I thought a valentine’s day with the one you love should.

Looking back on this as a singleton I realise perhaps the reason for this was, the second things did not go to plan I blamed myself. I assumed it was because I did not deserve to be loved or because I wasn’t good enough.  This is not the case; everybody deserves to be loved and to be happy and this should start with loving yourself.

“Don’t expect someone to love you if you don’t love yourself first”.

I have never been the best at loving myself in the past, but I have found through friends and social media a new level of self-confidence and am learning to love myself. So, I wanted to share some of the steps I’m taking on this journey.

Here are my 10 ways to work towards self-love and acceptance.

1.      Turn the negative thoughts into a positive

2.      Focus on your successes in life no matter how small.

3.       Talk to yourself how you would talk to a good friend and remember to be kind to yourself too.

4.      Accept and learn to love your imperfections.

5.      Look for the good in every day.

6.      Ask for help and accept it when you need it. Its okay to not be okay.

7.      Stop comparing yourself to others. There is only one you so be proud of who you are.

8.      Remember to smile.

9.      Wear what makes you feel good and wear it for you.

10.   Remember you are loved.
 

– Curly Sue xoxo