It's time to love yourself so much

So, I have a confession to make. When I left for my month-long trip to Europe I was hoping to do videos and posts on how to eat healthy while traveling. I wanted to support my followers and share all the bits of wisdom as well as all the challenges that I'd face while way. However, my trip turned out to have a different lesson in it that I would like to share with you. 

A few weeks ago I heard a great song that had the following lyrics... 
"I love myself so much,
So I can love you so much, 
So you can love you so much, 
So you can start loving me."

Simple and straight-forward, this verse is repeated for the duration of a few minutes until you finally get the message - the only way to love other people is if you, yourself, are filled with love. Yes, it may sound simple when you say it for a period of time, however what I learned is that sometimes it's harder to actually practice self-love and self-acceptance.

During my trip I got to visit beautiful towns and villages in Italy and France, I got to eat delicious local produce and spend unlimited time hanging out with my mom. However, what I noticed was that sometimes when everything seemed at peace, my mind started to race and think of what I NEED to do to prove and justify that I deserved this peace. Deep inside I didn't feel like I deserved a long vacation and I needed to work. I realized there was still something in my mind that felt I needed to DO something to deserve happiness. If you have ever doubted your own self-worth, know that is natural for all of us and it's what you do with those thoughts that matters. 

When those thoughts of doubt entered my mind I remembered that while fear may be lurking, it is up to me to listen to it or tune it out. Every time an unpleasant thought comes in, question it. Ask why is it there? What does it want to share with you? Listen to the answers and let them go. I believe that our minds are great tools to keep us safe and they always check up on us to make sure that we are doing the right things. However, thoughts can get a little over-bearing and in those cases, just thank them and carry on. 

I also found another tip to help me remember self-love. I have a few pieces of jewelry that I really connected with and I made them my reminders - every time I look at them, I remember to check in with myself, remember to practice self-love and acceptance, stop proving my self-worth and relax. So, find a couple of rings, bracelets, necklaces or even shoes and make an association with them to remind you that you need to give yourself unconditional love and acceptance BEFORE you can share it others. So, why not wear fabulous things and have them help you remind you of love?

I have been practicing this technique for a month now and I am seeing that thoughts of doubt enter my mind less and less and I bring myself to a peaceful and relaxed state of mind more and more. Although, it is still work in progress I am now recharged and ready to love up my family, friends, clients, my blog followers and the entire world! The best part is that in a long-run, everyone wins and happiness can spread much quicker!

With all my love, 

Alina

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