Loving my self again

Hi everyone! You might remember my last post where I shared that I'm on a journey to love myself again, and honestly, I couldn't be happier with the progress. But I know that little snippet probably left you wondering, 'Okay, Jess, but *how*?' And trust me, it’s a question I’ve asked myself countless times too. It's not always sunshine and rainbows; there are definitely those 'down days' we all experience. So today, I wanted to dive a little deeper into what this journey actually looks like for me and some of the things I'm actively doing to nurture that self-love. First off, what does 'loving myself again' truly mean? For me, it’s not about being outwardly confident every single second, or never having a bad thought. It’s about cultivating a deep sense of acceptance and kindness towards myself, even when I mess up or feel less than perfect. It’s about treating myself like I would my best friend – with patience, understanding, and unwavering support. This means acknowledging my feelings without judgment, whether they're happy, sad, or frustrated. Those 'ups and down days' are real, and learning to navigate them has been key. On an 'up' day, it feels effortless to practice self-care and feel good. But the 'down' days? Those are the real test. When I feel overwhelmed or like I'm slipping back, I’ve found a few things really help. Sometimes it's as simple as giving myself permission to just be – to cry, to rest, to not be productive. Other times, it’s reaching out to a trusted friend or journaling about why I feel that way without trying to fix it immediately. I’ve started a gratitude journal, and even on the toughest days, finding one tiny thing to be thankful for can shift my perspective just a little. Here are some practical steps I’ve been taking that might resonate with you too: Setting Boundaries: This has been HUGE. I used to say yes to everything, even when I was exhausted. Now, I’m learning to say no when I need to protect my energy. It feels hard at first, but it’s an incredible act of self-respect. Mindful Moments: My days can get hectic, so I try to sprinkle in small moments of mindfulness. This could be really tasting my morning coffee, taking a few deep breaths before replying to an email, or just walking in nature and noticing the sounds around me. It helps ground me. Positive Self-Talk (or Neutral Self-Talk): My inner critic used to be so loud. I’m actively working on challenging those negative thoughts. Instead of 'I'm so bad at this,' I try 'I'm learning, and it's okay to make mistakes.' Sometimes, just being neutral is a win too – 'This is a challenge, and I'll figure it out.' Movement that Feels Good: I used to push myself with intense workouts I hated. Now, I focus on movement that brings me joy – long walks, gentle yoga, or dancing around my kitchen. It's about moving my body because I love it, not because I'm punishing it. Prioritizing Rest: Sleep used to be an afterthought. Now, I aim for consistent sleep and even allow myself short naps on weekends if I need them. Rest isn't a luxury; it's essential for my mental and emotional well-being. Creative Outlets: Rediscovering old hobbies like painting or even just doodling has been surprisingly therapeutic. It allows me to express myself without pressure. It’s a continuous journey, not a destination. Some days I feel incredibly strong and aligned, and other days I need to remind myself to be extra gentle. But the overall trajectory is upwards, and that’s what truly matters. If you're also on this path, remember: you’re not alone, and every small step towards self-kindness is a victory. Keep going!