There are practically an endless number of books and articles about how to improve a relationship with your spouse, your kids, your parents and so on, but what about the relationship with yourself?Living in a society that continuously tells us we need to be better at this or that, and that we’re not already good enough the way we are, can make it pretty challenging to have a good, loving relationship with yourself – that’s the most important relationship of all.
At first, cultivating a good relationship with yourself might seem selfish. You may think that you’d be better off spending your time improving relationships with others, but the reality is that it’s actually selfish not to have a good relationship with yourself, as it’s truly the foundation for all of your other relationships. If you don’t love, respect and accept yourself, it’s almost impossible to do the same for others.
Writer Susan Conway even compared it to the safety instructions you hear on an airplane. She says: “Put on your oxygen mask before putting it on anyone else, even a child.”
Isn’t that a great way to look at it? Now that you know that a good relationship with yourself is essential, how do you improve your own?
Use affirmations
Get in a daily habit, perhaps every morning or in the evening before bed, of saying positive, uplifting words or phrases to yourself. If you need a reminder, write the phrases on post-its and stick them around your bathroom mirror or another place where you can’t help but see them. A few ideas include:
I love myself unconditionally
I am a good person who deserves happiness
I am happy just being me
I have limitless confidence in my abilities
I am beginning to truly love myself
Continue speaking these affirmations to yourself every day, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Gradually, you’ll start to believe it and realize that the only acceptance you need is your own.
Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a journal that you use specifically to write down five things you’re grateful for each day is a great way to positively change your attitude and improve your relationship with yourself. Many of us take certain things for granted, and don’t miss them until they’re gone. Even on the most difficult day, there is almost always something to be grateful for, such as family members, pets, a sunny day, or simply having access to the Internet to view articles like this. Focusing on what you have instead of what you don’t will help you love your life and yourself that much more.
Schedule in “me” time
Take time for yourself on a regular basis. You might even take yourself out on a date. You can go to your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie you’ve been wanting to see or just take a walk outside, paying attention to the little things, like a butterfly, a bird or a colorful flower. Making time each day to read a book that speaks to your soul, allowing you to escape from it all, is a wonderful way to treat yourself too.
Enjoy your time with you, appreciate and love who you are!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6242/7-Ways-to-Start-a-Relationship-with-Yourself.html
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/01/13/6-ways-you-can-have-a-healthy-relationship-with-yourself
http://www.freeaffirmations.org/love-yourself-positive-affirmations
