Put a spring on your Self-esteem

It’s spring! Flowers blossom, trees bloom, landscapes boom with summer colours, animals and insects awaken from hibernation, and we…well, why not make this the time we start to love ourselves more?

It’s time for Self-love!

Most of us have spent enough time self-loathing to last us a life time. We are quick at finding faults and imperfections in ourselves, great at comparing ourselves to other “better” people, and used to belittling ourselves and our abilities. If a stranger was to shout at us half of the derogatory names we call ourselves inside our own heads, they’d be reported for bullying, but sure, as long as it’s us it’s ok…

Think about the person or people you love the most in this world. How do you show them you love them? You make sure you spend time with them, be there for them when they need you, hug and kiss them, buy them gifts, make them laugh, and tell them you love them.

When was the last time you did any of these for yourself?

You may be thinking “well don’t be silly Anna, I spend time with myself all the time”. I know, me too. I am talking about quality time. Time away from everyone and everything. Time to allow yourself to reflect on who you are and to get to know yourself better; the different roles you fulfil in life, and how well you are doing in these roles, your reason for existing, your dreams and objectives. It’s time for your annual check up.

When was the last time you stopped to think about your good points, your strengths, the things you like about yourself, and the things you are really good at?

When was the last time you treated yourself to something? I am not talking that muffin that made you happy for the minute that it took you to eat it before you felt guilty. I am talking about treating yourself in a way that you boost your self-esteem and makes you feel happy for a gooood while.

Now is a great time to take responsibility and control over our lives. To realize that we may have made some mistakes along the way, but that we can do better; that there may be certain things we have no control over, but there are a lot of things that we can change. No better time to quit whinning, blaming and making excuses for things that are our responsibility.

And when was the last time that you asked for help when you needed it or said no, instead of saying yes to everything and everyone? Now you can start to be more assertive and stand up for yourself, cause you’re worth it.

When was the last time you disrespected yourself by acting incongruently with your values and expectations of yourself? Well, why not change that and remind yourself to always act in your best interest and in accordance with the standards you set for yourself.

And last but not least, when was the last time you looked at yourself in the mirror with loving eyes, smiled at yourself and wished yourself a great day?

It’s time for Self-Love.