Self-worth, self-love, and self-appreciation are so important for our lives. To be able to accomplish anything, we have to believe that we are capable and and deserving. Unfortunately, society has set up a hamster mill of achievements such that, if one falls short of them, one is expected to feel less than worthy or good. I am sure that you can think of a number of areas where you feel that you fall short, but ruminating on these kinds of thoughts does not support your development.
The remedy to this epidemic of self rejection is to understand that we are all good. We are all on a journey. Life is a process. Celebrating oneself should not be reserved for rare occasions! We should not defer happiness with ourselves, regularly withholding it, and only providing it upon the completion of lengthy, arduous accomplishments.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what many people do. Being FUTURE-focused, they are anxious about outcomes of which they are uncertain. The more adaptive approach for these people would be to exist in a STATE OF APPRECIATION of the present. This type of mentally balanced outlook will also provide a smoother path to the accomplishment of desired goals.
How can you begin to appreciate yourself today? Drawing from the philosophy of the 5 Languages of Love, by Dr. Gary Chapman, you can love yourself through words of appreciation, physical soothing, material gifts, quality time, or acts of service.
Here are some ideas to help you to treat yourself as a loved one!
- take yourself out to eat, or to the movies
- treat yourself to a vacation
- do exercise that you find fun to honor your physical body and strength
- allow yourself the gift of time
- tell yourself how well you have been doing
- give yourself gifts
- get massages or healing sessions to show appreciation to your body
- allow yourself to do work, or volunteering where others can show appreciation to you
These are just a few ideas of how you can value yourself and consciously increase your self appreciation. What else would you add to the list? I would love to hear from you!
Finally, if you would like to appreciate yourself by purchasing a self-help CD, e-course, book, or by scheduling a session with me, please do! Just click here!
Rahman Beckwith, PsyD is a Holistic Therapist who integrates spirituality and Positive Psychology to help you to create happiness within yourself! Follow her Facebook page Holistic Therapy with Dr. Rahman for wellness information and updates.
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