Self love is an important aspect of our personality. Accepting ourselves for who we are is the only way we can ever fully accept those around us and find peace.

We are our own worst critics, constantly hating on ourselves for no good reason. When we get down on ourselves the problem gets even worse. That’s when the negative self talk kicks into full gear and we beat ourselves up worse than any bully could ever dream. We need some self love.

5 Tips to Cultivate Self Love

1. Set attainable goals.

Part of the reason we’re constantly tearing ourselves down is because we’re unable to reach the ridiculous goals we set. Set goals that you can actually reach. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have more ambitious goals as well, just realize that you need smaller more reachable goals in between. For example, if you’re saving money to buy your dream house, set the goal of getting out of the red in the first year and then set reachable budgeting goals there after. This way, you’re working toward an attainable goal in between your more ambitious goals. Setting and reaching goals helps us to build faith in ourselves.

2. Get to know yourself.

Have you ever noticed the tendency to judge someone harshly until you get to know them better? I know I’m guilty of it–thinking someone is bitchy or snobby and then hanging out with them only to realize I was dead wrong. That’s the way we are with ourselves, too–judgmental until we get to know ourselves a little better. Meditation is a good avenue for establishing a better relationship with yourself as is journaling or just spending time alone.

3. Surround yourself with support.

If you’re surrounded by hypercritical people then your tendency will be just that. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your skill set. It will help you to do the same.

4. Watch for negative self talk.

Be mindful of self criticism especially when you’re feeling down. Notice the negative words that you say about yourself and question them. Are you really a loser? Are you really fat? Are you really not worth anything? Your likely answer is no because a lot of the crap that we say about ourselves is just that–crap.

5. Fully accept yourself.

Accept that you’re a fallible person just like everybody else. Life is messy sometimes and so are you, but that’s just fine. Know what you want out of life rather than just comparing it to what others want in life and accept your path. Then live intentionally, if your purpose is to travel and see the world, make meaningful decisions that support your intention.

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Self-doubt causes us to shrink instead of living life to the fullest. Don’t let it steal your joy.

When times get tough we often close ourselves off to the universe. You can almost feel your entire being contract instead of expanding. Cut off from our true potential, we can wither and die emotionally. Trust in the universe, stop worrying, and start living. Here’s are seven ways to stop self-doubt today:

1. Remember that everything happens for a reason

The universe does not make mistakes. How many times have you been able to look back on a negative experience years later and realize that it was really a good thing? Banishing self-doubt begins with implicitly trusting that everything, good or bad, happens for a reason.

2. Connect to the source

Part of letting go of fear and self-doubt is tapping into the universal source through daily meditation. Meditate on the infinite kindness of the universe. Prayer is another great tool for opening up the lines of communication with the cosmos. The only moment that you can control is the one that you’re living in at this very moment, not the past and not the future.

3. Smile!

Smiling triggers an instant endorphin release when the shadows of self-doubt start to cloud your path. Laughing is another great tool because it reminds us not to take ourselves quite so seriously. Fake it until you make it through a mighty grin and lots of laughter.

4. Eat well

Don’t cloud your mind with substances that harm your health. Keep your food as free from chemicals as possible. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, both of which impact your nervous system and can cause self-doubt.

5. Count your past accomplishments

Not sure if you can get this accomplished? Just look at all the things done in the past! You can do it. You’ve risen to the challenge and done great things before.

6. Surround yourself with love

Surround yourself with the love and support that you need in your life. Friends and family should lift you up, not bring you down. If acquaintances are contributing to self-doubt, distance yourself.

7. Go for it

Sometimes you just need to dive right in. Stop thinking so much and learn to live. After all, the only moments that you truly enjoy are the ones that you were fully immersed in. No excuses, no self-doubt, just go for it.

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7 Reasons Why Women Lack Confidence and What To Do About It
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