As we are approaching Valentine, it is worth remembering that the most important relationship we have is the one that we have with ourselves and that it sets the standards for all our meaningful others.
So I am re-sharing this article that I initially wrote for my food blog The Healthy Gourmet.
When we value and respect ourselves and our needs, we move from a place of calm and balance, and we reflect this sense of self into reality and the people around us. It allows us to draw healthy boundaries, and help us establish our priorities in life.
Self-love is also accepting ourselves for our lights and shadows, and bringing this acceptance and compassion to others.
1. Allow yourself to make mistakes.
We can only make a decision or respond to a situation based on the knowledge and the tools that we have at that given moment. A mistake or “failure” is only a sign that you need to learn more or that your tools did not equip you to deal with that particular situation. Be accountable and make amends if you need to, but make a mistake as an opportunity to grow, rather than a measure of self-worth
2. Be your best friend.
When life gets tough, and you are going through a testing time, simply take a step back and try to see the whole situation as it was happening to your best friend. What advice would you give to him/her? How would you speak to them? The way we speak to ourselves and the way we self-judge will influence our actions and how we respond to a difficult situation. Try to speak to yourself in the same way you would speak to your best friend.
3. Allow joy into your life.
Whether that means a long walk in nature or making space for a meet-up with a friend, we all need something to cherish and that elevates our lives. Learn to enjoy the moment, from an unexpected day of sunshine to a smile from a stranger, and allow time to do activities that you actually enjoy and give you pleasure.
Self-love and our relationship with food
The way we feel about ourselves and the ability to develop a healthy sense of self-love and self-worth is often crucial in overcoming eating disorders and a difficult relationship with food.
Intuitive eating is a method that encompasses body and mind, and teaches us to love ourselves and our food. Read the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating here.
When we value and respect ourselves and our needs, we move from a place of calm and balance, and we reflect this sense of self into the reality and people around us. It allows us to draw healthy boundaries, and establish our priorities in life.
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Claudia Armani
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Claudia is an award-winning Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, specializing in helping people move from emotional eating and yo-yo dieting to a more attuned and happier relationship with food. She holds a further specialization in Emotional and Binge Eating.
Beautiful explanation of self-love. I write about this topic in my books as well, and I really appreciated how you connected self-acceptance with the quality of our relationships. It’s such an important reminder that everything truly begins with how we treat ourselves.
Thank you, great to see we are on the same page!
This was such great tips! I have learned to give myself grace and lean Into loving myself more. It’s such a beautiful reminder that self love is the best love!
Love this! We need to show ourselves love just as we to for others.
Need to show self care more. I kinda forget somethings. Thanks. Well written.
It’s really important to take some time to love ourselves. I take walk in the nature, take care of my skin, and also get some healthy snacks.