Love Yourself

I’ve read a few of the popular personal growth books going around lately. They’re full of insight. They’re full of great advice. Hell, they inspire me to make a change in my life so that I too can wash my face and be a badass. But you know what? The number one thing that I actually pulled from me these books? LOVE YOURSELF.

All of the self-help books, personal coaching, vision boards, daily mantras… none of it means jack shit in the grand scheme of things if you don’t follow that essential rule. Love yourself. It seems simple enough, right? You’re probably thinking, I already do that. Of course I love myself. But do you?

I just finished reading You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life and I have to admit – I don’t love myself nearly enough as I should. I don’t put myself first – ever. She ended so many chapters with the same thing. Love yourself.

Love Yourself because it’s the Holy Grail of happiness.
Love Yourself no matter what anyone else thinks.
Love Yourself like you’re the only you there is.
Love Yourself no matter who you really are.
Love Yourself unless you have a better idea.
Love Yourself and the bluebirds of happiness will be your permanent backup singers.
Love Yourself be grateful for all you are and all that you’re becoming.
Love Yourself you deserve it.
Love Yourself and life becomes a party.
Love Yourself more than you love you drama.
Love Yourself right now, wherever you’re at.
Love Yourself you’re doing an awesome job.
Love Yourself and you’ll be invincible.
Love Yourself fiercely, loyally, unapologetically.
Love Yourself while you’ve still got the chance.
Love Yourself you can do anything.
Love Yourself and you will have it all.
Love Yourself and the Motherlode shall bestow her magic on you.
Love Yourself with a kung fu grip.
Love Yourself you are a badass.

So, while I learned so much from this book about being present, taking the steps necessary to be the future self I want to be and how to visualize it all into existence, the real thing that stood out to me the most of all was to love myself. Fiercely, loyally, unapologetically. There is a whole chapter dedicated solely to this idea, but I honestly love that she strings it throughout the book, reminding the reader of the importance of those two words.

So now what? I’ve finished another self-help/personal growth book. Is today the day that I actually put what I read into action? Will I be part of the 5 percent of people who actually do something with their lives after completing something that inspired them? God, I hope so. I’m off to do the things I’ve giggled at in the past. Creating a vision board and writing out affirmations. The coolest idea for affirmations that she gave was to ask your friends what they think of you and use those things as your daily affirmations. I’m going to use my friends love for me to help to love myself.

I’m going to project positivity into the world. I’m going to write down ten things I’m grateful for every day. I’m going to write some THING every day. I’m going to be a badass. I’m going to LOVE MYSELF.