Loving yourself

Are you your most fervent fan or are you your worst critic. Take a moment to focus on your own internal dialogue. How do you talk to yourself? Do you constantly blame yourself? Is your internal dialogue that of a Hitler or a gentle Dale Carnegie.  What is the tone of voice you use for yourself? Is it gentle and soothing or the opposite?

When you make a mistake, how do you react to yourself? Are you comforting and soothing? Or are you harsh and cutting. How can we practice self love? Take a decision not to blame and berate yourself. Look at the mistake compassionately and plan how to avoid it next time. Treat yourself the way you would treat your  beloved.

This is not self indulgence. This is facing the reality of the situation that no one sets out committed to make mistakes. Look at yourself in the mirror and appreciate how hard you work and how well you do so many things. Write a love letter to yourself.

Look at the world around you and see that there is no one who is perfect in every way. Problems and making mistakes is part of being human. Write down three things you are grateful for every day. Thank God for giving these wonderful gifts. Meditate on these golden gifts.

Last but not the least, accept your negative feelings and let them go — like clouds in the sky. Replace them with loving, positive, soothing feelings. Bless all those around you and wish that they receive all that they want. Close every day by visualising a situation you really want. See yourself in that setting with all the people you love. This way of creative visualisation, can move you towards a better, happier you.

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras