It’s not uncommon to see people cringe when the topic of self-love arises as if it is trite and pampering. Nevertheless, your strength comes from your heart, and everything else changes when you become your source of adoration. Your associations, job, and well-being all thrive when you start to love yourself. Although we all understand the significance of self-love, the biggest challenge is figuring out the best way to go about it. Practicing self-love is a skill that can be developed and perfected over time. A special phenomenon happens by nurturing a warm and healthy bond with ourselves – we become our confidantes. So how do we start to embark on that voyage? How do we begin to cultivate a deep appreciation for ourselves? Below are 5 steps to begin your journey of self-love instantly because

“the journey of self-love begins with oneself.”

Oscar Wilde

1. Treat your body like a temple (actually 2 steps in self-love)

Our connection with our bodies can greatly influence how we perceive ourselves. Focus on nourishing and connecting with your body. This is the most rudimentary form of self-love (which is why it’s at the top of 5 steps to self-love list), so take note of what you consume and do weekly – give your body what it needs.

• Start the day with a healthy green smoothie, indulge in a raw chocolate snack, and prepare a nutritious dinner with abundant superfoods. How we nourish ourselves demonstrates how we love ourselves. Therefore, become proficient at caring for your body and establish a strong basis for self-love.

• It’s essential to do activities that give your body energy and life – such as yoga, running, participating in 80’s Aerobics or dancing like Beyonce (a personal favorite)!

2. Show love by treating yourself to a night out

This month, why not treat yourself to a special date? Solo-dating is a great way to practice self-love and show yourself the same care and attention you would with someone else. Our clients have gone out for coffee and cake at their favorite spot or taken themselves away for weekend spa getaways. Everyone who takes themselves on a date raves about how wonderful it is!

3. Keep a journal of things to be thankful for yourself

It has been established that if you take the time to document 5 things in your life that you are grateful for daily, your mind will become more upbeat, and you will feel a greater sense of joy. This is an effective way to show yourself love, as it shifts your perspective to appreciation, love, and wealth.

A suggested activity to start incorporating into your daily routine is to purchase a notebook and, during the next seven days, jot down five things you are thankful for at the end of each day. You will be surprised at how satisfying this will make you feel.

In your gratitude practice, don’t forget to give thanks to yourself! Then, acknowledge something you have done that day and watch your relationship with yourself transform into a place of loving-kindness.

If a journal’s not for you, try writing notes that post for a while on a board, then discard them. The main thing is writing them down, which helps retain the thoughts.

4. Express yourself like no one is watching

Finding a means of self-expression is essential to being your true self and is one of the most vital of the 5 steps to self-love. It could be anything, from dancing and singing to cooking and making music. These activities often give us a sense of joy and freedom, something we often experienced when we were kids. Whatever it is that you do, it should make you feel alive.

What is it that brings out your true self? When was the last time you felt you could be unencumbered and free? If you can’t remember, think back to your childhood. How did you find joy and truly connect with who you are? Making time for activities that permit you to express yourself from the depths of your soul is essential. Whether it’s dancing to Rihanna, singing with abandon, or painting with big, vibrant strokes, schedule time for those activities that make you come alive.

5. Surround yourself with upbeat energy

One can discover tremendous personal power in generating the desired emotions, regardless of environment or circumstances. To access those feelings, one can recall a time of joy, bliss, serenity, or satisfaction (whatever is desired) and seek out a photo from that moment that summons the sensations associated with it, providing a feeling of recapturing the moment.

Place that image somewhere where you can see it often: save it as your cell phone background or print and post it on your bathroom mirror. Then, when you require extra inspiration, look at that picture and let those positive vibes overwhelm you.

I practiced one or all of these steps throughout my life. I help you get or stay on the path.

Angela Atelier is a New Jersey-based portrait and personal branding photography studio empowering women everywhere to live their best life. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show yourself some love with a portrait session.  Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.