Love yourself first, you say?  That is sometimes not as easy as it should be.

We wear many hats in our lives and it is so easy to get lost in the people-pleasing,  the responsibility-toting and the multiple to-do lists that we often forget who we are.

Yes, I am a mom, a sister, a wife, a friend, a cousin, a daughter, an aunt, a teacher...but I'm also me, gloriously imperfect and human, and that's the light and the energy that sustains all the roles I play.   And you know what? I have to be loved too.

I have come to the realization that I am at my most compassionate and nurturing self when it is me that I have learned to love first.  I'd like to share with you some of the truths that I've learned along the way.



1) Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not bring you down.  It's ok to declutter your life of friendships or people who aren't interested in your well-being.  Keep the people who make you feel good close to you and invest your time in those relationships; they will be a blessing when you need it the most.


2) Your spiritual health is as important as your physical health.   It really makes a difference to your well-being if you can find peace in something and learn the power of prayer or meditation or daily gratitudes.  Spirituality is a private reflection and whether you translate that into a practiced religion or more of a mind-body-spirit approach, regardless, you are doing something for you.   Find something to believe in and ask questions, look for the beauty in the little miracles every day.



3) Embrace your strengths and stop fighting your weaknesses.  Take care of your body!  I long ago gave up being the dream of a size 2.  Thigh gap? Scmhigh gap.  I have come to accept my body and the shape it will always be, I cannot mold myself into someone else.  I am strong, I am thick, I have curves and I have muscles.  And you know what, the minute I decided to rock that, I saw my body in a different light.  Stop comparing yourself to others and embrace your gifts.


I guess Justin Beiber is right, it is important to love yourself.

Sure, it may have taken me a longer time to see these truths and to let go of what people expect me to do or be and that isn't an easy thing.  However, now that I have come to see that I am the happiest when I have put in some good me time,  I will forever be pushing myself to grow and to look within!

What about you, do you do anything that helps you stay true to yourself?



Deena blogs at Shoes to Shiraz and is a regular contributor for The Blended Blog.  Her passions include pretty shoes, big glasses of wine, reading books and playing ball.  She lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on an acreage with her husband and two kids.