To Know You Is to Love You

Hey y'all, what's up?

Today's post is all about self-love.

So, riddle me this, can you love someone you don't know?

The answer is yes, you can certainly try, it's not very sensible, or sustainable, but you can definitely try.

To know someone and still love them means you are willing to put in the work to understand, appreciate, and accept them for all that they are as well as for what they aren't.

This is what makes loving someone all the more special.

The same can be said of the relationship you have with yourself. If you don't know yourself, how can you say you love yourself?

Nowadays, self-love is the number one topic of conversation, but no one talks about what self-love actually is. What isn't implied, when it comes to self-love, is what it takes to maintain a bit of happiness that isn't superficial. It isn't going to be sunshine and rainbows every time you look in the mirror. That's just the truth. I don't care how good you look on a good day, there will be bad ones, and how you manage when you don't particularly like yourself is what matters most.

So, what can we do to get closer to ourselves so that we understand, appreciate, and accept ourselves a little more each day?

Below are 4 ways the rejooov collective believes we can grow a closer connection to ourselves.

1. Add value to your self-image.

This starts with recognizing the things you're good at and expanding on it. The ability to recognize your own value is an opportunity to add to your self-image. Keep in mind that when you are adding value to your self-image, there is no room for comparison to others or negative self-talk. Give yourself grace and take your time.

2. Negative self-talk is a waste of time

Do you ever sit and think about how much time you spend talking down on yourself? All that wasted time would be better spent doing anything else. It's important that you consistently identify what you like about yourself. Finding what triggers you and what puts you into a negative self-talking cycle is key so that you can be prepared to deal with your negative self-speech.

3. Challenge unhelpful thoughts

When you do fall into the trap of negative self-talk, because you're human and old habits die hard, try combating them with something more realistic. What you initially thought may very well be true or false, but your job is to challenge it anyway. & your challenge doesn't have to be the most positive thing you can think of. It's balancing the negative with something that can neutralize it. A lot of the time we serve as our only reminder that love has to maintain a certain level of respect and admiration. You are capable and fully deserving of all the love this world has to offer. If you don't believe me, challenge that thought right now.

4. Set some goals and making some changes

The best thing you can do for yourself is set realistic and attainable goals that will allow you to see results within a predetermined amount of time. This is the surefire way to improve your well-being and consistently grow. Creating realistic affirmations to go along with your goals is also a great way to keep yourself on track and motivated while you strive to complete them. Center your goals around things that you enjoy and push yourself to see them through.

You are in charge of the love story between you and self.

Make it one to remember!

Love & Light Family,

- Cina