How to fully self-love yourself

Editor's note: This entry comes from Firelands Health's ongoing Empower Blog. Empower is a place for patients, families and Firelands staff to share their experiences, according to a health care organizational statement. SANDUSKY — While it's wonderful to celebrate our loved ones on Valentine's Day and every day, it's equally important to nurture the love we have for ourselves. Each day, consider giving yourself the gift of self-love. Self-love versus self-care We often hear about self-care: rest, relaxation, healthy diets, exercise, etc. These practices are vital, but self-love goes deeper. Many self-care activities are outwardly visible, and while self-love is an internal dialogue, a deep sense of self-acceptance. Too often, we're our own harshest critics. We struggle with internal dialogues telling ourselves we are failures, critically judging our mistakes, comparing ourselves to others and ruminating about our shortcomings. We self-impose expectations to achieve such high standards that, simply put, are impossible to achieve. This type of inner dialogue is referred to as negative self-talk. It is the enemy of self-love. Correcting negative self-talk is possible The good news? It is possible to change. Here's how: • First, recognize when it occurs. • Second, replace the negative thoughts with positive thoughts. — "Every human being has flaws, not just me." — "My weakness will not define me." — "Others will not define me." — "I am worthy." — "I am enough." — "I made a mistake…everyone makes mistakes…I will learn from my mistakes." — "I deserve love, happiness, respect…" • Third, practice this every single day until the positive self-talk becomes a new habit. How to practice self-love Other ways to practice self-love include: • Setting healthy boundaries • Communicating your needs • Setting realistic goals • Practicing self-care because you know and believe you deserve it Seek support Practicing self-love can be challenging, especially if past experiences have made it difficult. If deeply ingrained patterns of self-criticism feel impossible to overcome, Firelands offers counseling services to help. Taking the first step toward self-love is courageous. Call us at 567-867-4673.