On the Road to Self-Love

Hello my beauties!

Today I am going to be talking about something that is deeper then my typical posts. I want to touch upon self love and share my journey to finding love within myself.

Many young and middle aged women struggle with self love. The society we live in puts a lot of pressure on women. I never thought I was one of the people who struggled with self love... until one day, I found it. I finally realized that I did love myself for who I am.

Some feelings that can hinder peoples self love are...

-Not feeling good enough, for yourself or anyone else.

-Feeling like you don't fit in, or struggling finding a place that you do fit in.

-Sinking to the "norm". Doing the same mundane things over and over again.

Here are some changes I made to get to where I am today...

Make changes to the aspects that bring you down. Whether this is your living situation, job, wardrobe... change it! My biggest change was my weight. Over the last few years I have worked hard to get the fun and fitting wardrobe I have always wanted. When that clothes started to get too tight I knew I needed a change. I am at the beginning of my weight loss journey and I already feel amazing. I feel more confident in jeans, tight shirts and even bathing suits!

Change your everyday pace. Being stuck in a "rut" is the worst feeling. Sometimes it's as simple as changing your commute to work, or treating your self to a spa day every month. My change in pace was dramatic. I found that my job was causing a lot of stress and anxiety. I was working every weekend and working summer nights. I felt like life was passing my by and I was watching from the passenger seat. So, in my metaphor, I took over as driver. I got a new job with better hours and NO WEEKENDS. I feel so much better knowing I don't have to miss family occasions, holidays or dinners with my boyfriend anymore.

Fall in love and let yourself be loved. Knowing that someone loves you is such an amazing feeling. I got lucky to have found my person. My boyfriend constantly reminds me how beautiful I truly am and has loved me through all the tough moments in life. He was there for me at my lowest of lows and was there to celebrate the highest of highs. Self love goes way past falling in love with yourself, it is the ability to open yourself up and let others fall in love with you.

Compliment your high qualities. Instead of always pointing out the qualities you dislike or want to change, focus on those qualities that are you key aspects. For me, I have a friendly face and a fun personality. Instead of hiding behind my insecurities, I showed people that I am still a good-hearted, kind and loving person. I try to always smile and keep myself in an upbeat mood.

Stop worrying about everyone else. This is the biggest step to finding love in your self. Getting over what everyone else is doing and thinking. Stop trying to impress everyone else. Don't compare yourself to others, focus on you! Let people know and love the true you.

Although I do feel I have found more love in myself lately, I know I still have a long way to go. I changed my job, joined weight watchers, opened my Etsy shop (shop here) and have been blogging more. I am focusing on where I want to be and doing what makes me happy.

I hope you can relate and continue to follow my journey.