Cultivating self-expression, confidence, and a sense of belonging

Hi Friends!

As we celebrate the month of June, which is not only Pride month but includes Juneteenth and, today, National Loving Day in the United States – let’s embrace this period by celebrating self-expression, love, freedom, and belonging.

Maya Angelou said, “You are only free when you realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all.”

Human beings have a deep need to belong. But first, we must belong to ourselves. If we lack a sense of belonging and love within, we will suffer.

We will feel inadequate, incomplete, unworthy, and unloved, and this will, in turn, negatively affect our relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the relationship we cultivate with ourselves. How can we start to treat ourselves like we would our loved ones? How can we start to become our own best friend?

This week we wish to encourage you to begin cultivating that beautiful friendship with yourself.

Not sure what we mean or where to begin? We have you covered with some simple steps to get you on your way.

1. Make a conscientious effort to spend quality time with yourself. We spend so much time connecting with outside sources, how often do we spend time connecting with ourselves? Take a few moments daily to sit down in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Marvel in the miracle that is your life. Have gratitude for your body and mind. Connect with yourself so that you can go out and successfully connect with the world.Here is a simple practice to easily incorporate meditation into your routine:When you wake up before stepping out of bed, close your eyes, take a few gentle breaths, and name one thing you are grateful for.Repeat your favorite affirmation for a few minutes, taking deep, mindful breaths.Before opening your eyes again, name one more thing you are grateful for.Other ways you can spend more time with yourself:
   1. Journaling
   2. Starting a new hobby (especially one that allows you to be creative like pottery or painting)
   3. Planning solo dates
   4. Walking in nature
2. Forgive yourself. When we have disagreements with loved ones, we feel the feelings, process the emotions, and become open to forgiveness. We move on; but do we actually do direct this same process with ourselves? How many of us are holding on to the mistakes we made from the past? It’s time to let yourself off the hook for being a human being. Set an intention today to forgive yourself. Let the past be your teacher. You can’t fully love yourself when you feel disdain for the person you used to be. Forgive and set yourself free.Holding onto guilt and regret is a form of self-sabotage, and that’s why it’s so important to practice self-forgiveness and self-compassion. 

Check out the full article on our Substack➡️ Here