Practicing self-love requires a commitment to yourself because change doesn’t happen overnight—although it can—especially as you grow older. After all, think about it! You’ve lived for years, or even decades, without truly loving yourself, so reversing this pattern takes both effort and a willingness to embrace change from within.
1. I Love Myself
Reflect on your positive traits and write them down on a piece of paper. Then, ask family members, friends, and acquaintances to share good things they think about you and add these to your list. This way, you’ll create a list that helps you see yourself through your own eyes and those of others. You’ll discover many lovable qualities to build upon. 😊
2. Releasing Pain Caused by Unloving or Abusive Parents
Think of a hurtful criticism you’ve received. Then, continue with the phrase “but now” and rewrite that criticism into a new, positive version of what you’d like to hear.
For example:
Criticism of your clothing: “[Your Name], I once criticized your sense of style and didn’t appreciate your taste. But now, I see that you have a great eye for choosing clothes that suit your personality, and I’m proud of you.”
Hearing that you can’t do anything right: “[Your Name], I used to say you’d never amount to anything, that you were lazy and untalented. But now, I see clearly that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I’m so proud of you.”
Each time you rewrite a negative experience, make sure to recreate the story in detail. First, start with those closest to you, and then gradually move on to others. (You don’t need to analyze why someone said what they did, because not only is it irrelevant here, but it can also drain your energy.)
Additionally, make sure that the original statement accurately reflects the person’s typical speaking style, because this is important. However, the phrase “but now” erases this, while also planting a new seed of possibility in you, thus enabling you to feel truly lovable.
3. “I Love You” Voice Recording
Write down what you want to tell yourself. Then, record it using a voice recorder, such as your phone. While recording, imagine yourself as your Higher Self—a loving being who cherishes you, knows your true essence, and supports you. Test your recording device and practice reading the message a few times before recording. You may also play soft, pleasant background music.
Remember, you are loved, and others love you too. Speak to yourself gently, kindly, joyfully, and with great love. Once you’re ready, say “I love you” addressed to yourself and record it. Listen to the recording after a few days, make adjustments if needed. Then play it every night and every day for 45 days. Repeat this process as often as needed, whenever necessary.
4. The Freedom to Choose
When you face a negative experience, you always have a choice in how you respond—with love or resistance in your heart. We often resist forgiveness because our ego tells us not to. The focus isn’t on forgetting what happened but on letting go of the emotional burden it carries, so you don’t have to keep carrying it any longer.
Write down the names of every person, animal, situation, etc., that has ever upset you or caused you sadness.
Then, go through the list one by one, and mentally say:
“I forgive you, release you. I hold no inability to forgive in my heart and I am free, and so you are.”
If letting go of someone doesn’t come easily, visualize placing them inside a balloon and releasing it. Watch as it drifts away from you.
Source:
