Hej, predivna! Spremna za malo ljepote i inspiracije?

Hey gorgeous! Ready for a little beauty and inspiration?

Now that the Valentine’s Day cards have been sent and the flowers exchanged, I’ve been turning my lovey-dovey thoughts inward and reflecting on self-love.

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation upon which all of your other dynamics are built. When we are confident in who we are and see the beauty of it, we can bring 100% to our loved ones; boundaries, self-appreciation, and confidence make us better partners to receive and return the love they show. But in a somewhat unexpected side effect, self-esteem supports our inner beauty, which of course increases our outer beauty. So it’s really a win-win-win!

If you’re ready to give yourself some proverbial flowers and a confident glow to match, read on for my top tips to cultivate self-love – inspired by the five love languages!

How To Learn A (Love) Language

• Words of Affirmation

• A classic for a reason, morning affirmations are a no-nonsense, tried-and-true way to turn your confidence up a notch. Zero in on a problem area or goal – say you want to conquer a new project at work – and tailor your mantras to it. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our article on mirror talk!

• Physical Touch

• In our busy modern lives where we can live alone and work from home, more people are touch-starved than ever before. Try doing a “self hug” by wrapping your arms around yourself and feel the soothing weight of them. Or, more in line with the pop culture definition of “self care”, spend extra time brushing your hair, doing skincare, creating an ultra-relaxing shower, or rubbing in body lotion. Take time to really connect with your body and appreciate how important it is. 

• Gifts

• This is perhaps the most fun language! But beyond the obvious of treating yourself (which I thoroughly advocate for), make sure the things you need (or that make your life easier) are easily accessible. If buying nice sunscreen will help you wear it every day because you like the texture better, do it! If scented candles create a cozy environment that inspires you to wipe down the kitchen every night, go for it. You are your greatest investment. 

• Quality Time

• If you know me, you know community is the core of everything I do, and that I love hosting to celebrate that. But alone time is just as important for our health. Whether it’s a phone-off work out, a cozy weekend night in, or dinner out alone, connect with yourself and strengthen that relationship. Being comfortable alone is an extremely valuable skill, and all of our other relationships benefit from it. 

• Acts of Service

• This is the “tough love” method. Schedule out time as needed – an hour daily, or a full day when life gets to be too much – and do all of the scary things on your to-do list. It’s certainly not fun, but you will feel SO much better (and your future self will thank you) once that nagging appointment is scheduled or the floors are clean. You deserve the peace that comes with doing the hard stuff – there’s no greater act of self-love. 

Final Thoughts

“Self care” has become a glamorous term associated with face masks, shopping sprees, and bubble baths (not that I’m complaining). But the reality of it can be much more simple – and effective – when we look at it as a way to literally take care of our inner lives. Just like we strengthen and stretch our muscles, or go to the doctor when we have a cold, our internal relationship and existence needs constant care and exercise. It’s the foundation of our entire lives, and it is impossible to have great friendships or a gorgeous appearance without it. Be sure to take care of your mind and soul (and have that bubble bath too, if it helps!), because you deserve it. 

Ljubav, sjaj i poljupci!

Love, shine, and kisses!