We all want more love in our lives. But what are we prepared to let go of to make room for the love we seek? To answer that question, we will want to reframe how we perceive self-love.
For it is through a new understanding of what self-love is that we can begin practicing self-love on a daily basis without feeling uncomfortable.
In this article and accompanying video I will take you through seven essential practices of self-love and how you can apply them in your life right away. This is the second of a new, three-part series on loving more of yourself after 60.
What Is Love?
For many people, love is elusive, fickle, strict, and overly demanding. For others, love is a fairytale romance filled with joy, bliss, and delightfully pleasurable experiences. And there are those who believe love is an illusion and not a realistic idea to pursue.
With such disparity in society’s generalized beliefs about love, it is not surprising that self-love is so widely misunderstood.
There is another belief about love, however, which is not only becoming more acceptable, but it is also changing how women over 60 perceive self-love.
It is the belief that love is not something we chase after outside of ourselves. True love, therefore, is something we have access to inside us.
If true love is within us, it should be easy to stop looking for love outside of ourselves, right? What makes self-love difficult is holding onto limiting beliefs about who we are at this stage of our lives. To let go of limiting beliefs we must be willing to change how we perceive self-love.
Self-Love Is an Empowering Act
I did not always have a positive outlook on self-love. Over time, I have learned to not only value the power of self-love, but it has become an essential part of my daily life.
For me, personally, self-love is the practice of nurturing and valuing oneself. It is an unconditional acceptance that you are worthy and deserving of love.
Self-love allows you to embrace your innate wisdom, make the most of life experiences, and it brings out the very best of your unique qualities.
For this reason and more, self-love is an empowering act.
What makes it so empowering is that you are prioritizing self-care and self-compassion over self-loathing and negative self-talk. For without doing this, how can you make room in your life for the love you desire?
7 Essential Practices of Self-Love
Over the years, I have written and spoken extensively about self-love. Each year I find myself learning more about who I am and how to apply self-love in my own life. This includes an ever-evolving set of self-love practices I engage in and share with others.
Here is my current list of seven essential practices of self-love you can apply to your life right away:
Gratitude Reflection
Establish time each day to journal three (or more) things you are grateful for. They can be simple pleasures or significant moments.
Mirror Affirmations
Every morning, stand in front of a mirror and look into your own eyes. Repeat positive affirmations about yourself, such as “I am loving”, “I am my own best friend”, “I am beautiful,” “I am wise,” or “I am sexy.” Feel the positive energy and love flowing towards yourself as you speak these words.
Body Appreciation
Appreciate and honor your body through gentle exercises, such as stretching, yoga, massage, or walking. Celebrate what your body can do rather than dwelling on perceived limitations.
Self-Compassion Journaling
Set aside time for journaling your thoughts, feelings, and experiences from a place of self-compassion. Remind yourself that you deserve the same love and kindness you would offer to a dear friend.
Reflection on Achievements
Make a list of your achievements throughout your life, both big and small.Acknowledge and celebrate your resilience, wisdom, and the positive impact you’ve had on others as a result of these achievements.
Creative Expression
Engage in creative activities that foster joy, such as painting, writing, singing, or dancing. Allow yourself to fully enjoy the process without judgment or expectations.
Self-Care Rituals
Incorporate self-care rituals into your daily routine, such as taking relaxing baths, enjoying a cup of tea, positive affirmations, journaling, or engaging in a hobby that lights you up.
A Personal Journey
Practicing self-love is essential at any age, and none more so than after 60. These seven practices are just the beginning. Be sure to add your own unique take on them, as well as establish your own practices to cultivate more self-love.
Remember to always treat yourself with the utmost love and care, prioritizing thoughts and activities that bring you inner joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Self-love is a personal and continuous journey. Be patient with yourself as you practice self-love.
Rather than see these practices as a chore, view self-love as a cherished part of your life.
I invite you to join me in the video above, where I share seven unique ways to apply journaling to your self-love practices.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you embraced the concept of self-love? How do you show yourself the love you deserve? What self-love practices are part of your daily life?
