Growing up in today’s world, it is nearly impossible not to compare yourself to “something better” at some point. With the constant editing of our own lives, whether it be through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, the “real life” versions of ourselves never seem to be good enough. Think about it. We have all caught ourselves editing pictures on one app, to then further edit them some more before posting it on various social media platforms. While it’s great and creative, it eventually wears us down. It’s hard being barraged with flawless images of celebrities constantly, even though we know they have professionals styling their hair, makeup and clothing. And still, even their photos are edited before being posted and re-tweeted to infinity on the web. It’s a hard knock life when it comes to being able to love your true self these days. Luckily, we have a few steps on how to get you there!
Stop comparing.
Yes, the Kardashians may be all over EVERYTHING as of late, but it doesn’t mean that just because you do not have their eyes, hair, lips, booties, or figures that your traits are any less amazing. Chances are you wouldn’t even recognize half of the celebrities we continue to worship if they went about their daily lives just like you and I do. Technically, we are the ones putting the pressure on them to look perfect 24/7. This needs to stop.
Stop hating yourself for what you aren’t.
We tend to be our own toughest critiques. We aren’t blonde enough, aren’t skinny enough, aren’t smart enough, don’t have big enough _______, don’t have small enough ________. You catch my drift?
Start loving yourself for what you are.
Yeah, that other person might have beautiful golden locks, but that doesn’t make your naturally curly red hair any less beautiful. We need to stop wanting what we can’t have.
Stop allowing others to decide how you feel.
Someone do something bad to you? Don’t let it ruin your day. As the saying goes, What Sallie says of Harry, says a lot more about Sallie than Harry.
Start your day right.
And with that, you should probably start your night right too. Get to sleep early. Get good sleep. Get enough sleep. Drink some chamomile tea before bed for restful sleep. Give yourself time to wake up, even if it means starting a few minutes earlier. Believe me, it’s much easier to start your day slowly and know you have time, than to rush and hurry to what the day awaits.
Start treating yourself
Now that you have time, pick out an outfit that makes you feel great. You never can be over dressed, so go with whatever it is you want to wear that day. Remember being younger and being so excited when your parents let you pick out your clothes for the day? Yeah, you may have went with the bright pink tutu and green t-shirt, but who cares, that’s what you wanted to wear that day! You (hopefully) are now able to do that each and every day of your life! Never save anything for a “special occasion”, because every day you are alive is a special occasion.
Start saying “No” to others.
Yes, it’s hard. Yes, sometimes it sucks for you and other people. But, you need to put yourself first. Saying yes to everything leaves you very little time, especially for yourself.
Start saying “Yes” to yourself.
Read that book you’ve been wanting to read. Go get that $5.00 over priced cupcake you’ve been craving. Start that hobby you have secretly always wanted to try but can never find the time to see if you are any good at. Feel like setting some goals for the week? Do it. Even daily goals. Challenge yourself.
Start taking yourself on dates.
Having a boyfriend or girlfriend isn’t the only relationship you should be worrying about. College is the time to get to know yourself as well. Go to the movie you want to see. Try out that new restaurant that opened around the corner. Go to that painting class you’ve been dying to take. You are stuck with yourself for your entire life, so you might as well start to love your own company.
Start being thankful.
Make a list of all of the things you have to be thankful for. It can be anything. It can be about other people, other things, but don’t forget to be thankful for yourself.
Do YOU have any tips or advice about self-love that you’d like to share? Leave a comment below and let us know how you show love to yourself!