The Main Habit for Your New Year

12/21/2023

Have you checked out our latest article on adopting new habits for the upcoming year in the December issue? The main one for your new year should be self-love, and no, it's not selfish – it's a game-changer. Remember the advice flight attendants give? Secure your oxygen mask before assisting others. Otherwise, you will have no opportunity to assist anyone else. Well, loving yourself is a bit like that. Now, you might be wondering, how exactly does one go about loving themself?

Alison Rachel Stewart, a trailblazer in the realms of public engagement, artistry, and the brain behind Recipes for Self-Love, an initiative promoting habits, practices, and meditations for improved mental health, has laid out a fantastic roadmap. Let's dive into the 13 steps that can pave the way to more profound self-love.

Ditch the Comparison Game: Stop sizing yourself up against others. It's a pointless exercise since every person is a unique and irreplaceable individual. Focus on your journey.
Brush Off Others' Opinions: Don't get bogged down by what others think or expect from you. You're in control of your mood, and there's no need to let external judgments dictate your emotional state.
Embrace Mistakes: Allow yourself to make mistakes. After all, we're only human. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones to a better you.
Value Beyond Appearance: Your worth isn't determined by your looks. Self-like is paramount. Seeking approval for your appearance from others is unnecessary. Take a moment to look in the mirror and appreciate both your inner and outer self.
Bid Farewell to Toxicity: Let go of toxic relationships. Surround yourself with people who uplift and appreciate you. It's much easier to love yourself when you're in the company of those who support you.
Confront Your Fears: Don't shy away from fear; instead, understand and accept it. This not only improves mental health but also helps identify and address sources of anxiety, reducing overall stress.
Trust Your Decision-Making: Believe in your ability to make the right decisions. While self-doubt is common, understand that you know yourself better than anyone else. Take responsibility for your choices and trust yourself.
Seize Opportunities: Waiting for the perfect moment may mean missing out on life's opportunities. Don't let the absence of an ideal moment hinder you from reaching your goals.
Prioritize Yourself: Make it a habit to put yourself first. Constantly prioritizing others or external factors can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Take time to relax and recharge.
Experience Full Emotions: Feel your emotions fully. Whether it's fear, pain, or joy, embracing these emotions helps you understand yourself better and leads to personal growth.
Embrace Courage: Make voicing your opinions a habit. Your voice is just as valid as anyone else's. Don't wait for permission to contribute to conversations or share your thoughts.
Find Beauty in Simplicity: Cultivate the habit of noticing beauty in simple things around you. Express gratitude for these moments. Gratitude is a key ingredient to finding joy.
Kindness Starts with You: Be kind to yourself. In a world filled with criticism, avoid adding your negativity. Treat yourself with the same kindness you extend to others

You're worth it!