This is a guest post from the oh-so-fabulous and aware Wendi Knox (the founder of the Dragonfly Movement!) This post will resonate with most women and really REALLY we all deserve this one!
Let’s have a little heart-to-heart. Warning: This isn’t one of those mushy Valentines messages.
Of course, I love hearts and flowers and romance as much as anyone.I’m not focusing on the “sweet nothings” that someone else whispers in our ears. But rather, the “not-so-sweet-somethings” that we say right to our very own faces.
It’s heart-breaking how cruel and insensitive we can be to ourselves. And most of the time we don’t even realize it. Self-love isn’t just a pedicure or a bubble bath.
It’s more about the words we choose and the tone we take when talking to ourselves.
In fact, if you start paying attention to the conversations between You and You, you’ll hear things you’d never dream of saying to someone else.
(If a friend lost her car keys would you call her “Stupid?” Or if she had a little cellulite, would you dub her a “Fat Pig?” I rest my case.)
Everyday, our Inner Critics give us a blow-by-blow assessment of how our faces, necks, arms. thighs, butts, stomachs, hair, skills, talents, love life and “you-name-its” don’t measure up to that supermodel, movie star or What’s-Her-Name.
And the truth is, deep down, not even What’s-Her-Name thinks she’s pretty enough, thin enough, smart enough, successful enough or _____________enough either.
Of course, we don’t mean to treat our precious selves so harshly. But it seems to be what we’re programmed to do.
Somewhere, somehow, we got the message it wasn’t “nice” to be nice to the face in the mirror. So, we save all our kindness, empathy and words of encouragement for everyone else.
But ironically, though, the more we learn to direct our love inward, the more we receive from the outside world.
So, with that in mind, here are five Valentine gifts you can easily give yourself:
1. Baby yourself. The thing is,we love babies unconditionally.
I mean really, have you ever said “You dummy. Don’t you know how to walk yet?”
Of course not. We tell wannabe toddlers “Good try” when their wobbly little legs give way.
We allow for the fact that they’re learning and growing. And we love them for it. (Hint-hint.)
2. See the best. Forget the rest.
The next time you look in the mirror, instead of automatically zeroing in on what you don’t like, shift your focus.
Find something positive to say to yourself.
For instance, I’m trying to focus on the color of my eyes, instead of the dark circles under them.
In fact, when no one’s around, I’ll even been known to compliment my reflection.. I know it sounds crazy. But it feels good.
3. Think before you speak.
When my son was in kindergarten, he was taught to ask three questions before speaking to someone:
“Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?”
I never forgot those questions. And neither should you when you’re about to dis yourself.
4. Literally create a new conversation.
All you need are some scissors, paper and markers. Cut out some hearts and write the kindest, most loving things you can say to yourself on them.
If you’re at a loss for words, start with “Love ya” or “Imperfectly perfect.” And then, tape your “conversation hearts” on your mirror, under your pillow or wherever you could use some love and encouragement.
5. Share the dragonfly love.
If you have any tips or thoughts about how you’re learning to love yourself more, please share them at The Dragonfly Movement on Facebook.
When one of us rises about the muck of our minds, it helps give all of our hearts wings. And speaking of hearts, mine hopes that you give yourself a loving Valentines Day. (From the inside out.)
xoxo
Wendi
Follow the Dragonfly Movement here: (use Facebook until the site launches Not a long wait, but Wendi would love to know that you read this!)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragonfly-Movement/
I am so very grateful to Wendi Knox for allowing me to share this with you.
Particularly today, particularly this weekend, it’s very meaningful for women to read and put this to work. I have heard a lot about the negativity, the self-doubt and self-deprecation that we all do to ourselves. We can be our own best friend (and forget the enemy part)
This is MY Valentine’s Day gift to you and to myself!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
40% off Persian Rose Fragrance of the Month Collection
20% off Chocolate & Floral Fragrances through VDay. 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner
If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to stevie@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-14
I love the alternative love hearts! SO true, this post struck a chord with me!