5 Ways to Practice Self-Love (Part 2) | Redefining Self-Love Series | Boone, NC Photographer

I can't tell you how big of a hypocrite I feel like writing about self-love. I'm only a few posts into it and I already want to abandon this project altogether because I don't know what the hell I'm doing! That's the fear talking. Those are the doubts that are creeping through the backdoor of my brain trying to shut me down, and I can't say that I haven't been close to allowing that to happen.

5 Ways To Practice Self-Love by Wayfaring Wanderer Boone, NC Photographer

Who cares whether or not I know what I'm doing?! This personal experiment has been fun, albeit trying at times as I attempt to turn this practice into a daily habit. While some steps have been a lot harder to handle emotionally and mentally than others, this journey to redefine self-love is something that I will continue. For now, I'll keep sharing my experience with you here on the blog because...

Self-love is something that a lot of us need more of as I have learned by observing other peoples behavior along with my own.

My thoughts are that if I feel like I need more support, encouragement, and inspiration in my life that I need to be that for other people, so this is why I am sticking to this mission, not just for myself but also for others who could use more self-love in their lives, too!

The "Redefining Self-Love Series" is still in full effect and I have been doing what I can to continue practicing self-love for myself on a daily basis. A couple weeks ago I shared Part 1 of "5 Ways To Practice Self-Love" and I've been implementing the steps which I will share about next week if you’re interested (let me know in the comments, if so); however, this part 2 offers 5 (More) Ways To Practice Self-Love that I've been using along with the other tips that I shared in my previous post. Below is a recap as an infographic I put together so that you can quickly scan what we've already touched on so far.

5 Ways To Practice Self-Love Infographic by Wayfaring Wanderer Boone, NC Photographer

All of the items I've highlighted in Part 1 & 2 aren't something you DO and then you're DONE, these are all meant to be practiced repeatedly! Taking action using any one of these ten easy tips is the first step to breaking crooked patterns we can unknowingly become comfortable with. It's time to REDEFINE SELF-LOVE! Who's with me?!

Below are 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love:

TRY NEW THINGS

Do something that you haven't done before, something that you think would be fun, something that you think might be interesting, or something that you think will help you learn or grow. Find an event or class that intrigues you, maybe you've wanted to try it for a while but have just made excuses not to. Finally take the time to give it a try this month. Make a plan, pick out a class/workshop/etc., find a sitter if you have kiddos, and commit to doing it! Trying new things is what helps us expand beyond our current routines so that we open ourselves up to new and exciting experiences that we might not have otherwise.

Bonus Points if you do this alone. Yep, don't ask your BFF to join you. This is another way to really hone your self-love skills so that you're pushing yourself outside your comfort zone even further. 

5 Ways To Practice Self-Love Quote by Wayfaring Wanderer Boone, NC Photographer


STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

I am guilty of toxic thoughts. I have to constantly flip ugly inner dialog into something more positive and uplifting. Once I realize it's happening, I can snap myself out of it fairly quickly by questioning my harsh, inner-critic. "Wait a second! Is this really true?" It would also help to think about it in terms of how you talk to friends or family, if you wouldn't say those things to someone else why would you say/think them to yourself? You deserve just as much kindness as you show others!

Bonus Points if you write it out in your journal. Writing is therapeutic, especially when used to have a conversation with your sabotage goblin. Seriously, question yourself…in writing!

Related Article: "When I started to think about food as love, then I automatically began eating a healthier diet and in turn, kicked some pretty bad habits and lost over 40 lbs." [...] 5 Ways To Love Yourself With Food from Leah (Certified Health Coach) owner of Deep Rooted Wellness. L I N K » http://bit.ly/1mifA4v

MOVE TO THE MUSIC

I don't spend enough time listening to music nearly enough during the week. Most of the time I'm listening to music if I am cooking dinner or taking a shower; however, I don't typically listen to music while I'm working at my computer because it doesn't help me to focus like other methods I use. This is why I want to implement mini dance parties on a daily basis. Set an alarm for any time once a day, pick out your favorite song, and shake dat booty! I guarantee that you will be laughing and smiling by the end of your three-minute dance break!



Bonus Points if you are brave enough to make a goofy video of you dancing like a crazy person and share it with me on the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook Page!

BE AFRAID BUT DO IT ANYWAY

There are lots of things that I hesitate doing because I'm scared. Really. What's the worst that could happen? Even though the idea of doing something—whatever it is—terrifies you, just do it anyway! As long as it's not hazardous to your health, of course. Unless that's how you get your kicks then it's perfectly fine with me whatever you choose to do as long as you're being safe while doing it!

Bonus Points if this is something you've put off doing for longer than a year. Aren't you ready to get this off your plate or put the project in motion?! Start today! Just one step a day will make all the difference.

5 Ways To Practice Self-Love Quote by Wayfaring Wanderer Boone, NC Photographer


SAY I LOVE YOU (TO YOURSELF)

Now this will definitely feel a little weird when you start doing it. I know I felt kind of odd when I uttered these words to my reflection. But I started this a couple months ago and I've been doing it ever since. So, every time I see my reflection whether it's in the mirror or the side of a tea kettle, I always stop and look myself in the eye, take a deep breath, smile, and say I LOVE YOU! Like I said, it seems silly and you will probably feel as such, but it's a wonderful practice to put into place to be more present and practice self-love at the same time.

Bonus Points if you take a picture of yourself (from whenever) and put it in a place where you can see it everyday so that you can do the same self-love practice even if you don't happen to see your reflection!

This concludes Part 2 of "5 Ways To Practice Self-Love." I hope that some of these tips may prove useful in your quest to embody more self-love. I'll be sharing a behind the scenes look into my mentally challenging journey of redefining self-love and the first-hand experience I've had with practicing these tips next week, so stay tuned! To be notified when new Redefining Self-Love posts are available, sign-up for updates from Wayfaring Wanderer HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected!

Have you tried any of the tips from the Redefining Self-Love Series yet?! Is there one you'd like to try?! Join the conversation in the comment section and let me know! I'd love to hear from you! 


Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for somewhat weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ RELATED LINKS }

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1)

» Food As Love: 5 Ways to Love Yourself w/ Food

» Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions

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