When we feel grateful for something, we appreciate the good aspects of it just the way they are, aspects that we might have taken for granted, aspects that seem too little to praise, or aspects that have always been a blessing. Now, let’s turn that to our own selves. Self-appreciation means to appreciate parts of our life, personality, or ourselves as a whole to acknowledge the good that already exists within us.It is to be grateful for the many little qualities that make us who we are and the small ways that we go forward.
Below are some key strategies for you to start appreciating your own self and tap into your full potential:
Value Your Life
We all take life for granted from time to time. It’s part of being human, so don’t be hard on yourself. But the effect of consciously appreciating your life is crucial for experiencing a healthy outlook and overcoming obstacles. When you bask in appreciation for all your mind and body allow you to do, you’ll begin to transform negative beliefs about yourself. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with your life or body, you’ll embrace the positive aspects.
Positive self-talk
Positive self-talk is about talking to yourself in the same kind and compassionate way that you would with someone you love. Positive affirmations are a powerful tool in shaping how we talk to ourselves. They come especially helpful in self-appreciation as they guide us in taking the road of compassion instead of ridicule.When we make a little mistake, we so often automatically say something mean about ourselves. It’s such a pity that we’re naturally against ourselves in this manner.
Some of my favourite affirmations for you:
- I am grateful for the way I have supported myself.
- I am grateful for my good qualities.
- I am grateful that I can rely on myself.
- I am grateful for how I have grown through the years.
- I am grateful for all the little achievements I make every day.
Stop criticizing yourself
Once you start viewing yourself positively and let go of self-criticism, people like that won’t even roam in your vicinity because you’ll be flying so high on the GOOD life. It’s your job to build yourself up. You get back what you put out in the world. And that starts with YOU and how YOU appreciate yourself.
Accepting yourself the way you are:
Acceptance of ourselves should not be postponed to the point when we feel that we are as perfect as it’s possible for us to be.
Here are some gratitude prompts for self-appreciation:
- What do you like most about yourself?
- Write about a time when you challenged your comfort zone.
- Express gratitude to yourself and the journey you’re having.
- What are you always excited to do?
- What is your strongest life value?
Reward Yourself
Life should ALWAYS feel rewarding! But what does rewarding yourself have to do with self-appreciation? EVERYTHING.
Value yourself by gifting yourself with something. It doesn’t have to be a literal gift (but it can be). Taking a salt bath, walking in nature, and meditating are great forms of self-appreciation rewards.
Write down your feelings
Writing is a powerful way to honour yourself, heal trauma, and release negative feelings. Do you feel comfortable writing a letter to yourself? Just try it. This can be a simple process that doesn’t have to take long.
Again, fill your mind with beautiful things and watch your outer world transform. When you start acknowledging yourself, your self-esteem increases too. There is ZERO value in negative thinking, so STOP IT.
Namaste!