In a previous blog post, we talked about Self-Care. Today we’re going to discuss Self-Love.

Some people think self-love and self-care are the same thing but that’s not necessarily true. Many take care of their health–eat clean, exercise, limit alcohol and sugar intake, etc.–and yet still hate their bodies or have a list of character flaws a mile long.

In other words, their internal dialogue is far less than loving toward themselves.

Now, by self-love I don’t mean cocky, arrogant or conceited, but a healthy love of Who you are. And who you are is a perfect soul in an imperfect body and imperfect world.

What do you see, and say, when you look in the mirror? Are you loving and appreciative of the body you’ve been blessed with or disgusted and disapproving?

WHY?

Who says what’s good or bad about the vessel that houses your soul?

We have allowed the opinions of everyone and everything outside of us to determine our worth!

Jesus said we should, “love your neighbor as yourself.” But how can we love our neighbor if we don’t even like ourselves?

So, how can we cultivate Self-Love?

One way is to simply close your eyes, place your hand over your heart and breathe in, “love.”

Another, is to say, “I love you,” instead of just breathing in the feeling of love.

One of the best ways is to look in the mirror at yourself, put your hand over your heart, and say, “I love you.”

If professing your love for/to yourself feels too icky, start by complimenting yourself. Hey Gorgeous (or handsome). You look good today. I really like your smile or that dress you’re wearing. That color looks good on you!

When you begin cultivating self-love, you may feel resistance in your body but if you’ll stick with the practice, I promise you will develop a healthy sense of love, kindness, and compassion for the vessel in which your soul resides.

Something to think about!
PamT
Coaching in PJs™
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

​Watch the YTvideo HERE.

Many people today don’t realize the power of spoken (or written) words.  But think about it…God spoke the world into existence. The Bible says that “the power of life and death are in the tongue, and they that indulge in it shall eat the fruit thereof” meaning that our words will bring life or death (negative or positive) into our lives.
 
It also says that “as a man think in his heart so he is” giving evidence that there is even power in thoughts which are merely unspoken words. 
 
Genesis says that God’s word will not return void but will accomplish what He intended (paraphrased). The same is true for us! I believe we co-create our life with God through our thoughts, words, actions and attitudes.
 
One of my all-time favorite ministers of God’s word, Joyce Meyer, made a statement one day that changed my life and challenged my way of thinking. She said, “hurling words of judgment is equivalent to stoning in the Old Testament.” 
 
WOW what a concept! We’ve all heard the old saying about sticks and stones, but I think we all know the truth about that one. Words can cut. Worse than any stick or stone can bruise flesh, hurtful words can cut hearts and bruise souls. Even via the Internet love, gentleness, kindness and patience or anger and sarcasm can be shown in our choice of words and tone of emails and messages. 
 
So how can we change the circumstances in our lives with our words?
 
First, we must become aware of our thoughts. Most of the thoughts we think then speak aloud are based on generations of opinions we’ve been programmed to believe since the moment of conception. Perhaps even longer if you look at how the elders in your life think, speak and act. Once you catch the negative, unkind or unhealthy thought, switch it in your mind then speak aloud what you want to believe, think and feel.
 
Next, pay attention to the conversations going on around you and do not participate in those that aren’t positive, compassionate or uplifting. When possible, change the subject and if you can’t, simply excuse yourself.
 
Life is a mirror and people reflect to us something within us that needs to be healed and transmuted or show us where we’ve grown and changed. This doesn’t mean to be prideful or boastful when you find you’ve changed a negative thinking/speaking habit LOL!
 
Thirdly, one of the best and easiest ways to change your negative thoughts/words is gratitude. Find something positive, something to be grateful for in every circumstance, situation and relationship. Focus and build on that and see what happens.
 
As human beings we have the ability to speak good (life) or bad (death) into our lives and circumstances and to call those things that be not as though they are. Even our health! The next time you start complaining about your body, remember this: Every cell in your body is a living organism. They hear what you say and go forth to create your reality out of and around those words.                                                                                                                                                          
If you’re constantly ‘hating’ on something, that thing will never change!
 
So, let us think about what we say, either in person or in the written word and may we always remember; pleasing words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the taste and health to the body for both the speaker and the recipient of words. (Prov.16:24)
 
Something to think about...
PamT
"Coaching in Pj's" ™
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
 
This article is expanded from my YouTube video found HERE.

As an Author, Life and  Journal Therapy Coach, I know the power of writing things down.
 
Is there a habit or mindset you'd like to break, change or implement? Write it down.
 
Do you have a list of things you'd like to accomplish or manifest? Write them down. 
 
Studies have shown that by writing your dreams, goals and aspirations your chance of achieving them increases by 40%. Reviewing them often concretes them into your subconscious mind and, according to Dr. Joe Dispenza, “whatever links in the brain, sinks in the brain.”
 
This means that precious gray matter immediately starts to scan your memory for experiences and examples of previous accomplishments, look for opportunities to aid you in your quest and creates new neural pathways that override existing programming, thereby drowning out that incessant voice in your head that says, “you can’t,” OR “you’re not good enough,” OR whatever it drones on and on about to stop you from living the happy, successful, fulfilled life you desire.
 
Take this a step further and flesh out your ideas. Using all your senses, describe in detail what it is you desire and put this in an area you can see (refrigerator or vision board) and review it daily - several times a day and with as much sensory detail as possible… How do you feel once you’ve accomplished something on your list? Where are you? Who are you with? What do you hear? Are you celebrating? Who’s there? What are you wearing, drinking, eating? Let your imagination run wild! The brain and body do not know if you are actually experiencing the scenario or if you’re creating it from thought alone.
 
Want to make your chances of accomplishing everything on your list more probable? Share your goals, dreams and aspirations with a friend. This creates accountability and increases your chance of success by 76%! Make sure this is someone who is in your corner and will not, with all good intentions, discourage or sabotage you.
 
Think I’m full of bull?
 
A study by Michigan State University showed that 76% of participants who wrote down their goals and action plans and shared them weekly achieved and/or accomplished what they set out to do. Read the entire article HERE.
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Something to think about...
PamT
"Coaching in Pj's" ™
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™
 
For more information on the benefits of recording things you're grateful for, check out Thank and Grow Rich by Pam Grout and The Gratitude Jar by Josie Robinson.