I am on a mission to learn how to be more kind to myself. It isn’t about giving in to junk food or going out shopping. Treats are necessary, but what I want to work on is rewarding myself in ways that don’t cost a lot of money, or come at the cost of my health. Sure, I might have a remarkable day in a clothing store and find some wonderful sales. I love a good deal as much as you do. I also enjoy eating out, but it is not the best option for the budget or my waistline. So, what do I mean, when I say I am learning to be more kind to myself?

It starts from within. For years I let a little nasty voice in my head tell me to look in the mirror every morning, just to see how tired I looked. As I got used to this negative self-talk, the dialogue switched. I looked into the mirror to see how bad I looked, EVERY DAY. When I finally realized what was happening, I made some changes.

I worked with a coach in an emotional weight loss group. I weigh over 300 lbs. I am carrying more than just fat on my body; it is a layer of protection for my emotional self.  Working with a coach helped me to change the inner dialogue when I look into the mirror.  Now when I look in the mirror, I look at myself with love in my eyes. I try to look at myself the way my husband looks at me, which might sound weird, but is very effective. It has changed how I feel about myself, from the inside to the outside.

Yes, I have flaws. I know I have work to do to become healthier, but what a feeling it is to look at yourself in the mirror and to do so with love, and therefore, kindness.

I have always loved my blue eyes, but I have never thought of myself as beautiful

I have been on a journey my whole life, and I believe we all are on a journey through life. We all have different stories and experiences on our own paths; the similarities connect people all over the world. The internet has expanded my circle of friends, and how I am experiencing personal growth.

I am not referring to my waistline, rather working on myself by reading books, taking online courses, and meeting new people who become friends along the way. I am sharing my journey on my blog, and on my social media platforms.

I took a chance and started selling makeup. I do not wear makeup every day. I feel more confident when I spend time applying makeup. I am not hiding behind a mask. I am enhancing my own natural beauty. I would not have been able to do this before I changed the way I think about myself when I look in the mirror. I have always loved my blue eyes, but I have never thought of myself as beautiful until recently. This is what I focus on with others through my makeup business. We are all beautiful, friends, and it is something I want to keep working on. By showing others I am having fun while having adventures with makeup, I can help them learn how to be kind to themselves.

Change doesn’t come easily, nor does it happen overnight. What I can tell you is that it is worth the effort, because it is something people have noticed. Random strangers are commenting on how I am looking, or if they like what I am wearing. These things are not a coincidence, I am very grateful for all the encouragement I receive on my journey, and I know that if I keep working, things will only get better. I am so proud of myself for doing the work and sharing my journey.

Being kind to myself involves making better choices in all areas of my life. It also means I can make mistakes, and learn from them. Being kind to myself is all about that self-talk in my head, and letting the positive voice of my heart speak louder than the negative one in my head. It means I have to learn how to love myself, including my flaws, to prepare for what is coming to me.

What a beautiful concept.