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Ten Ways to Feel Great About Yourself
By: Ronya Banks
Because we are living in a world riddled with realities such as crime, poverty, drugs, homelessness, starvation, and war, it has become commonplace to focus on the negative aspects of not only our world and our lives, but of ourselves as individuals. To prove my point, I'll bet you that it's a lot easier for you to come up with a list of the things you don't like about yourself, than it is to write a list of the things you adore about yourself.
So, isn't it high-time you start feeling really great about yourself? Although there are many ways to accomplish feelings of self-worth, the following tips are a wonderful start! Let your beautiful and unique light shine!
1. Write a list of all your innate gifts and strengths you've developed during your life.
You were born with natural gifts. You may be gifted with the disposition to being calm and easy-going, or you may be gifted with more energy than three normal people put together. Write down a list of all the Gifts you feel you brought with you. In addition to your innate gifts, you've also had experiences wherein you've learned to develop additional personal strengths. So, write down a list of all of these strengths. Enjoy writing these lists and read them at least once a day. Start focusing on the wonder of YOU!
2. Treat yourself to a special evening or day.
Whatever helps you refuel and appreciate life - take the steps to make it happen. Everyone is different. So what may look like a candlelit bubble bath to you, may be a movie or dinner out to someone else. Go for it! You deserve it!
3. Acknowledge yourself in the mirror.
Take a few moments every day while you're primping in front of the mirror to thank and appreciate yourself for who you are, your gifts, strengths, and accomplishments. Smile at yourself while you acknowledge yourself. If you feel very uncomfortable doing this, then it is an indication that you have an opportunity to get acquainted with, and appreciate your Unique YOU.
4. Tell someone you love or care about, how you feel about him or her.
Nothing feels better than witnessing the wonder, surprise, and joy others will experience as a result of your verbalizing how you feel about them. Maybe you'll tell them how much you love and appreciate having them in your life. Or, you'll tell someone how much his or her belief in you has meant to you. Life is short! Don't assume they already know. They'll love to hear it, and you'll feel great about yourself for saying it!
5. Exercise regularly.
We've all heard about the endorphins released during exercise that make you feel happier and healthier. If you want to feel great, get your blood flowing!
6. Make a list of all the things you have to feel grateful for.
We take a lot for granted. Focusing on what you have to feel grateful for will help you shift your focus from one of negativity to one of positivism, and you will feel great as a result!
7. Forgive someone.
Holding on to grudges takes energy. Forgive someone whom you perceived hurt you and you will experience a surge of relief and freedom. It's your choice and how you want to do this. Some people write a letter to the person and never send it. Just make sure you release the energy from your heart.
8. Accomplish a Goal.
Finish something you've been wanting to finish. Whether that's cleaning out a closet, or getting a college degree, you're going to feel great about yourself not only when you accomplish that goal, but also during the process of accomplishing it!
9. Face a big fear.
Nothing feels better than facing a fear and risking to work through it. If you experience terror at the thought of meeting someone new, introduce yourself to someone you don't know. If the thought of public speaking make you want to hurl, do it! Whether you're great at it or not, you'll feel so much better about yourself for taking the risk, instead of continually avoiding it. But please, don't risk your life!
10. Laugh at yourself and others.
Stop taking yourself so Darned seriously! Life can be a drag, or a blast, depending on your outlook. Choose to see the hilarity in nearly every situation. You or your partner forgot to buy the one thing you went out to the store to purchase. So what! You can laugh about it all the way back to the store, or you can get angry and frustrated and ruin yours and everyone else's day! Laughter surely feels and looks a lot more enjoyable, and you won't be emotionally beating up yourself or anyone else.
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