GIVE LOVE: Ways to Show Love to Yourself & Others More!

In our hectic lives it can be very easy to find yourself going through the motions, getting caught up in to-do lists, and not remembering to do basic, yet very important things like giving love.  Today I want to explain what I mean by that how you can GIVE LOVE with ways to show love to yourself & to others more!

Showing yourself love I think first and foremost is a nonnegotiable aspect of day to day life.  In order for all that you do to be done in love and good spirit, you must first be sure you are showing yourself that love.  Not to be selfish, but you’ve gotta put on your own oxygen mask first, ya know?  So how can you do this?  I have some simple ways you can be sure you’re doing it every day!

1. Workout (almost) every day.  Are you surprised I said this? Lol 😉  But even just simple movement like going on a walk helps you spread oxygen throughout your body and will automatically make you feel more awake and alert.  So if you find yourself in a slump, show yourself some love by doing a workout or going for a walk.  I promise you’ll feel better!
2. Start your day with a daily devotional.  I know this isn’t for everyone but for me, this is the best way to start any day knowing that no matter what comes your way, what challenges you may face or struggles that may hit your heart, that you are LOVED by Him and that He will take care of you.  If you need a great daily devotional I recommend Jesus Calling. It’s 1 page per day and very easy to follow!  Also, a free option is to do the reading plans on www.shereadstruth.com.
3. Fuel your body properly.  Take care of yourself by feeding your body the nutrition that it needs to function optimally…lots of fruits & veggies, lean protein, and be sure not to overlook your daily serving of dark chocolate 😉
4. Find quiet time.  This is time to meditate or read, something where you can put your electronics away and just be still, present in your mind and focused on your thoughts without being distracted by outside influences.  I generally prefer to use this time to read because I have so many books I want to get through.  I like to do this at night just before bed, it helps me unwind and also makes me sleepy 🙂
5. Give yourself a compliment every day.  There are so many positive, wonderful, amazing, and beautiful qualities about you…look in the mirror and tell yourself one everyday.  You need to hear it from yourself first and BELIEVE it!
6. Give yourself grace if you “mess up”.  We are human.  We are going to make mistakes.  Learning from those mistakes and not dwelling on them and beating yourself up about it is the only way to move forward.  Don’t sit in the negative space of the mistake.  Show yourself grace & forgiveness and move on.

And now that you’ve taken care of yourself, how can you show others that same kind of love, to try to lift them up and make their day better?  You never know when the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference and impact in someone’s life.

1.  GIve a smile.  Seriously, this takes practically zero effort other than looking up from your phone, making eye contact with someone that might be a total stranger, and giving them a smile.  It serves as a nice reminder that they are seen and that someone can extend a sign of positivity to them.
2. Notice when someone needs help, and give that to them.  It’s so easy these days to just ignore the needs of others around us, but again, even the slightest gesture to help someone with something can make the biggest difference.
3. Invite someone to workout with you!! This is such a great way for you BOTH to get that blood flowing, sweat, talk, catch up, any of that!  You’ll also be helping someone do something healthy and beneficial for their body and mind, there’s no better gift than that!
4. Send a text or call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or maybe you have spoken to them recently but you just want to send them some love!  Send them a positive message.  You can also write them a letter…snail mail is the best right?! I love getting letters in the mail 🙂
5. Ask.  Just check in with someone and ask how they are doing…you might be the only person to do it!  Showing them that you care about them by asking how they are doing is a perfect way to show someone love.

outfit deets: tank top // shorts // sports bra // sunnies // water bottle

What ways do you like to show yourself or others love??

xo,

Bess