12 Ways to Practice Self-love

I wrote this in response to a client’s question, “How do I practice self-love?”

12 Ways to Practice Self-Love
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1. Place you hand over your heart and consciously connect with its loving, compassionate energy. Call it forward. Invite it into your day.
   
   
2. Make a joy and well-being list. Come up with 25 things you love to do—activities that make you smile and relax, and make you feel alive. Post this list where you’ll see it and make sure to do at least one thing on this list every day.
   
   
3. Eat and drink nourishing foods that energize your body and also taste great. Try green smoothies, goji berries, raw chocolate, and green juices (my favorite green juice recipe: celery, cucumber, sprouts, lemon, apple.)
   
   
4. Pray, meditate, and practice the fine art of gratitude. What are you grateful for? Name twenty things. Do this every day.
   
   
5. Pamper yourself. This means different things to different people, so check inward. What are you favorite ways to pamper yourself? Figure out what makes you feel pampered and give this to yourself. Pampering doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It could be as simple as taking a bath or a guilt-free nap, or eating dinner by candlelight.
   
   
6. Clear clutter. Are you surrounded by stuff you don’t like or use? Try spring cleaning. We are energetically connected to everything we own and when you give away things that no longer serve you, you lighten your load. Free yourself from possessions that don’t add beauty or function to your life.
   
   
7. Get into nature. Allow yourself to be restored by the natural world. Go to the beach, a park, or your own backyard. Visit a botanical garden, or sit on the grass, sand or dirt. Plant tomatoes. Take a hike, have a picnic, or find another way to connect with nature.
   
   
8. Disconnect to reconnect. Turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, ditch your computer, silence your cell phone. Read inspirational literature, something that nourishes your Spirit.
   
   
9. Look at yourself in the mirror and see only your beauty. If you see anything else, keep trying. You are beautiful. No question about it and no exceptions. We are all stunning creatures of light and love. Discover and claim your beauty now!
   
   
10. Forgive yourself and others. Forgive every person you feel has wronged you, and silently ask those you feel you have wronged to forgive you. Release the judgments you hold against yourself and others.
    
    
11. Be creative. Sing, dance, write, paint, sculpt, craft, or design. Say yes to your creative impulses and let yourself play. Be a kid. Don’t question your scribbling and dabbling, just have fun. Lighten up, smile, romp, and wander.
    
    
12. Keep your heart open. Even if it’s been broken. Especially if it’s been broken. Hearts are resilient. This is where our souls live. Go back to item one and experience these twelve ways to practice self-love as often as possible.