
How to practice self-love (with this 14-minute self-care ritual)
By Dr Berni Sewell | Love yourself
Tell me. Do you love yourself?
If your response to this question is “No” or “Uhmmm…” or a doubtful “Sometimes?” (usually accompanied by a knotting of the brows), answer me this.
Why not? Why can you not love yourself?
And that’s when your mind kicks in…
• Because I am not perfect, not good enough, not attractive, fit, wealthy enough.
• Because I am too old, too fat, too short, too lazy, stupid or selfish.
• Because my parents neglected me, my friends rejected me, my partner left me.
• Because I made too many mistakes, failed too many times, hurt too many people.
• Because I feel guilty for letting others down, am ashamed and disappointed with myself.
• Because I am single, lonely, behind in my career.
• Because I suffer from anxiety, depression or health issues.
• Because I am worthless and don’t deserve to be loved.
So many reasons to hate yourself.
But are your past mistakes really reason enough to abstain from self-love? After all, you are a different person now. You grew, evolved, make better choices.
And wouldn’t you look past other people’s flaws and shortcomings and still love them regardless? So why can’t you extend the same courtesy to yourself?
Even if nobody in this world loved you or cared for you (which is highly unlikely, by the way, no matter what your mind may tell you), wouldn’t this just be more reason to love yourself? Everybody needs love, right?
So, what’s the real reason why self-love is such a struggle for you?
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