Self Love
For me, self-love is all about loving and appreciating myself unconditionally – warts, tummy, and all. We love our friends, family and partners unconditionally; it’s time to do the same for ourselves. We need to treasure our own well-being and happiness and not sacrifice it to please others. My inner voice tells me I have a big nose. People laugh at me when I say that; maybe they’re being kind. I’ve always hated my nose but, recently, I’ve learned to love it. My nose was given to me by my parents – by my father, to be exact. I’d never not love a friend because of the size of their nose, so why should I be so hard on myself? I’ve learned to love myself – nose and all.
50 & Wiser Club Book, Gray Tham
One of the images from my 50th birthday photoshoot. Sometimes we need to remember just to laugh at ourselves … or with ourselves.
This month my word is Self Love. Perhaps it’s because I broke my leg. Yes, I feel a bit sorry for myself, but I look on the other side of things too. Thank goodness I still have my hands to type. And my left glute will become strong as it supports my entire body. I now have time to sort out my diet and focus on my upper body strength. I won’t be doing pushups in 5 weeks, but my arms will be stronger.
Today I bought myself some “Self Love Oil”. I bought this for a dear friend of mine for her birthday last year. I loved the smell and I thought she deserved a nice lotion to look after her skin. My husband laughed at me when Friend opened her gift. “You got her SELF-LOVE oil? Gray don’t you think that is a bit personal.” It took me a few minutes to understand where he was going with that statement, but it finally soaked in. Well, if she wants to use it for that, more power to her. But perhaps she just wants to treat herself and her skin to a beautiful-smelling, moisturising oil. Nothing dirty and personal about it. I will admit I did have a bit of a giggle along with the entire dinner table full of people we just met.
Maybe you are not into self-love oil - So what can we all do for a bit of Self Love?
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Don't worry about others' opinions.
Allow yourself to make mistakes.
Prioritise self-compassion.
Remember your value doesn't lie in how your body looks.
Trust yourself to make good decisions for yourself.
Feel pain and joy as fully as you can.
Exercise boldness in public.
See beauty in the simple things.
Be kind to yourself.
Protect your energy. It’s not rude or wrong to remove yourself from situations or the company of people who are draining you.
Gift yourself a photo shoot.
I hear what you’re thinking, a photo shoot? I only do that if I have to … why would that be part of my self-love list? Let me tell you why.
Self-Expression and Confidence: A portrait session allows you to express your unique personality and style. It's an opportunity to embrace and celebrate your individuality, boosting self-confidence and self-love.
Documenting Personal Growth: Having professional portraits taken can serve as a visual documentation of your personal growth and journey. It's a way to capture yourself at a specific moment in time, creating a valuable record of your life.
Treating Yourself: Take the time to appreciate and care for yourself. Gifting a portrait session is a tangible way to indulge in self-care, creating lasting memories and tangible reminders of your self-love journey.
Self-love may not happen overnight. But with time, it will settle itself into your heart. Think of all the steps you take as stepping stones on your journey to being the best you.
This article was inspired by the 50 & Wiser Club Book and this Article (it will explain more about the first 11 of the list above - number 12 was my idea alone).
Happy Self Love ❤️ Gray
Kelly came in for a Wise Women session. It was a gift from her husband. She came in excited, nervous and a bit exhausted (Motherhood and work and life can do that to us). She left feeling amazing, beautiful and at peace with life and herself. Isn’t that what we all can use? A true pick me up.