People talking about self-love (and self-care) has really ramped up over the last few years. There are more and more people speaking up about the importance of self-love in our every day life and finally, people are starting to listen. I'm am here for it!

I'll admit, I haven't always cared much about my own self-love. There were years and years of my life where I did not love myself at all, which is really sad for me to look back on.

But as I got older, I started to care. I wanted to feel differently about myself and about life. I wanted to love myself.

The journey wasn't necessarily easy. There have definitely been days (or weeks) where it was harder than I expected and some days are still tougher than others, but I'm so proud and happy to now say that I do love myself unconditionally.

For me, self-love is so much more than looking in a mirror and thinking I'm beautiful. It's being able to forgive myself for mistakes I've made. It's having the awareness on knowing how far I've come. It's being able to accept that I am exactly where I am supposed to be with the experiences I am supposed to be having. And, it's also looking in the mirror knowing that I am beautiful.

Self-love has brought me confidence, humility, empathy, self-awareness, compassion, acceptance, pride, joy and love.

Each and every day, I use a variety of exercises, habits and techniques to build my self-love but today, I wanted to share just four with you.

The following four practises can be done as regularly as you need.

~ Compliment yourself

Whenever I walk past my reflection, I give myself a compliment. The compliment rarely takes me any energy or time to think of because there are always things I can comment on. Some days I comment on my hair, outfit or appearance but most days I comment on my kindness, empathy, parenting skills and how I show up in the world. Your compliment should come to you naturally and the first few times may feel a little bit funny, but if you keep it up, I promise you will be feeling more love towards yourself every time you see your beautiful reflection.

~ Forgive yourself

This is a big one. Over the years, I have done a lot of work on myself. I have grown and expanded my awareness so, so much and I am definitely a different person to who I was 5 or even 10 years ago. I am so proud of how far I have come but I have done and said things in my life that I'm not necessarily proud of.

But, that's okay. We have all done things and said things that don't align with our values now. If you're here reading this, then it's obvious you care. It's obvious you want change in your life. It's obvious that you want to grow and expand your awareness too so it's time to forgive yourself.

Forgive yourself for the things you said. For the things you done. Forgive yourself for who you used to be and get excited about the person you are right now in this second.

~ Do things that make you feel good every single day

Every single day, I allow myself at least 30 minutes to do things that make me feel good. Each day is slightly different but I usually do one of the following; read, write, listen to a podcast, move my body, get a massage, get my nails done, nap, meditate, do yoga.

I allow this time for myself every single day because it fills my cup and when my cup is full, I can help other people fill their cups too.

~ Get support from professionals

Over the last 10 or so years, I have had professional support. In particular, I've really ramped it up over the last 5 years. I use a combination of counsellors, coaches, healers and therapists.

Getting professional help will be life changing. Your growth will catapult. Your confidence will catapult. Your self-love will catapult. Your entire life will catapult when you have a support team around you.

I can not recommend hiring a coach or counsellor enough. If you're interested in increasing your self-love, mindfulness and feeling more aligned in your life, head to this link to check out my 1:1 services.

Building our self-love up can take time but the benefits are unbelievable. When we begin to truly love ourselves unconditionally, the magic arrives.

With love

Shorina xo

Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach

Hi, I'm Shorina and I'm an Australian Counsellor + Wellness & Mental Health Coach. I'm here to support you to redefine your relationship to self and life! I incorporate a mind, body and soul wellness approach to my work with a focus on healing and mindfulness ♡