When I was in high school, I struggled with low self-esteem. Over a long period of time, I had internalized the negative comments people had about my body till it got to a point that all I saw in myself were my flaws. Fast forward to three years after graduating, I have become my own best friend. I had to unlearn all the negative thoughts I had about myself because, at the end of the day, it is my body and I have to live with it.
Here is a list of a few steps you can take towards self-love journey.
1. Learn To Love Yourself
This is paramount. You have to love yourself to a point that the only validation you seek is from yourself. When you love yourself, flaws and all, you eliminate all chances of looking for attention from others.
2. Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
Avoiding comparing yourself to others is easier said than done. This is because with social media playing a huge role in our lives, it is easy to compare yourself to others online. While you can admire someone’s life, job or even body, refrain from comparing yourself to them. Everyone has a different path in life. Besides, most people only publicize the highlights of their lives on social media and you never know what goes on behind the scenes.
3. Surround Yourself With Good Company
Sometimes the company you keep is the reason for your self-esteem issues. For example, you may have ‘friends’ who make snarky comments about you or your looks and try to pass them off as jokes. Instead, replace such people with friends who help reinforce your self-worth. Even as you learn to love yourself fully, sometimes hearing compliments from people we love goes a long way in building us.
4. Surround Yourself With Positive Social Media
There are so many poets, writers, and motivational speakers online whose sole aim is to spread body positivity and self-love tips. Only expose yourself to media that helps shape your confidence. This is because finding relatable people helps us feel like someone finally understands us.
5. Carry Out Acts For Self Love
To reinforce your self-worth, write love notes to yourself and remind yourself of your positive traits. You can stand in front of a mirror every morning and compliments to yourself.
A self-love journey is often romanticised, but it is the total opposite of what we expect. It involves a lot of unlearning negative perceptions and reinforcing new principles.
This article was written by Capital Campus Correspondent Garnet Achieng’.
