It’s the season of red hearts and roses...and pints of Ben & Jerry’s. Regardless of your relationship status — it’s a good time to improve your connection with yourself. Love may not always go our way but even if it does...Why not get back to the basics and practice self-love? I make it a point to focus intently on cultivating deep gratitude for all that I am. It’s not always easy but it is a daily ritual for me. When we are confident and showing our true, strong, beautiful selves it never puts anyone down. If anything it frees others to do the same and rise to their greatest potential. When we approach ourselves with grace and kindness it vibrates throughout our friendship circles, our community, and all that we do.
My number one sentiment is that you can only give as much love to others as you feel for yourself. To live a life full of light and love we need to begin with ourselves. Loving your morning walk around the block, choosing a positive internal dialogue with your thoughts, loving your morning coffee ritual paired with fresh tulips, or feeling passionate about your new creative project...it’s finding joy in the little things. I believe that passion and love are intertwined, tucked away into every aspect of life, and the more self-love that we can cultivate — the better.
The New Southern is a platform to advocate and champion others, encouraging and supporting creative entrepreneurs and artists. As a woman that advocates for other females it’s important that I vocalize the idea that everyday is about loving yourself — not just Valentine’s Day. Never silence your femininity or connection to yourself. Let’s support one another for being bold, brave, and courageous day in and day out. By doing this we will weave webs of community and connection that will truly recharge our lives. Together we empower one another, make our dreams come true, and be a catalyst for change.
Whatever comes your way — I encourage you to have a consistent, loving relationship with yourself. See how beautifully this can translate into the love that you can offer everyone and everything in your life.... this is when true magic happens.
Daily Affirmations
Whether your affirmation of choice is a bullet journal or positive mantra. Keep your thoughts constructive and rooted in love. I believe thinking patterns are very powerful and it is important to choose your thoughts wisely. Every day won’t be perfect (sometimes it won’t even be close and resemble the opposite of anything desirable) but when you are present, and able to revisit your mantra, this allows for a more positive self dialogue that will perpetuate constructive positive experiences. When I was a little girl, I was a gymnast and trained at the Olympic Training Center. We would have afternoons dedicated to visualization techniques for our routines. This was the most valuable tool for me. From a very young age to the present I am intentional in keeping my thoughts positive, tossing away limiting beliefs or self doubt, while visualizing my next "routine" so to speak..... This practice has served me and I hope it is helpful to you.
Choose Your Tribe With Care
A great quote from Tim Ferris is, "You are the average of the five people you associate with the most, so do not underestimate the effects of pessimistic, unambitious, or unkind friends." Tim proceeds to go on and say that if these people are not making you stronger, then they're making you weaker. I disagree with his last sentiment as we are solely responsible for our internal strength but I do agree whole heartedly to select those in your life where there is mutual support, encouragement, authenticity and a willingness for the group to grow. I surround myself with strong women and men who are authentic and confident. I am inspired by my friends and collectively we champion one another, we are positive, we love each other and have a deep respect for the bonds forged as we each continue to grow together and on our own.
Nourish Your Body
I have a confession here: I eat sugar, I eat gluten, I eat meat, and basically... I eat whatever I crave. I listen to my body and what it needs and this is a form of self-love for myself. I believe in moderation but I also believe in listening to yourself first and foremost. How do you know what you need or what you want if you can't sit still long enough to ask and listen to your gut? Being an athlete my entire life, I depended on this when it came time for both fuel, play and rest. The same applies for me now as an entrepreneur... lets just say I am drinking my green smoothie currently and twizzlers or swedish fish may be the chaser... balance and moderation with lots of rest!!
Making Time For Yourself
And what you love to do! Learning what makes you feel taken care of is so incredibly important to your well-being — whether it’s working out, getting your nails done, learning a new skill, treating yourself to a massage, or a hobby that makes your heart happy. Ask yourself... "what do I love to do? what do I find myself doing for long amounts of time and it feels like no time went by at all?" Whatever this is for you, DO IT! And do more of it!!
Celebrate Your Victories
I love celebrating the small wins!! Do you know why? Because, the small wins are all about progress. This can be as simple as tackling your calendar or getting through your to-do list for the day... I value progress over perfection and I may even do a little happy dance for my small victories. By celebrating the small wins..... we are already dancing to the big ones!! Xx
I am sending you all much love this Valentine's day..... Do one thing to treat your self today and every day after this. Xx
