Life is funny. No….really it is! The other day I was helping my son get ready for bed. He’s six and very witty. I can’t recall exactly what he said now but it made me laugh hysterically. We laughed so hard we both were crying. I realized how funny real life was. So along with stopping to enjoy life’s humor; here are 5 tips on how to start loving you.
1. Laugh at Yourself
Hey I know life is hard. And during those moments it’s easy to get wrapped up in a burrito of negativity. Bills, kids, relationships and work all play a part of the stress we feel. But life is really funny also if you are open to it. I have learned to laugh a lot. Laughter is the best medicine. If you can’t find anything to laugh about now recall an old funny experience and laugh ’til you cry!
2. Give Yourself a Break!
Ok, you didn’t get that report quite right. You were late taking or picking up your kids. Totally blew your mind to return that call. No biggie! Give yourself a break. What would you say to a friend that told you that they had unintentionally dropped the ball on a few things? “Don’t be so hard on yourself”. Well, you have to be your own best friend. Forgive yourself, plan to do better in the future and move on.
3. Play a Game of Pickup
In high school you were on the swim team, head cheerleader and president of the student body. Now, well you don’t do much. Get back into the game. Who you are should be more than where you work. Come on! We are more amazing that where we are for 40 hours a week. Rebirth those unique talents that you had. Groupon is an awesome tool for finding art and dance classes, wine tastings, bowling etc. Join a class or volunteer.
4. Take a Look In the Mirror
One of the lessons I learned long ago was positive self feedback. Every so often when I feel the world whipping my butt I stand in front of the mirror and say 5 positive things to myself about myself. Hey it may seem egotistical to some but psychology experts agree that this practice is very helpful to fork lifting your mood. It’s hard to be in a bad mood after you say ” I’m amazing, I rock, I’m beautiful, I’m smart” to yourself. Love yourself 1st!
5. Forgive
Forgiveness is something I talk about a lot. There’s nothing like trying to live your life with a boulder of resentment and anger holding you down. Forgiveness will give you freedom to see how awesome you can be. The cool part is that is doesn’t require help from anyone else. Make a decision that “I forgive ____and I am choosing to heal”. Look, it’s not easy. I get it. But until you can heal from some of your past hurts it’s going to be hard to love yourself completely. If you need help get it. No shame in being sane.