When was the last time you took the time to appreciate yourself? Our days get busy, we get focused on our tasks at hand, and sometimes we simply don’t stop to appreciate the wonder of who we are. As humans, we often crave the approval and appreciation of others, but what if you could find contentment in also appreciating yourself? Knowing your worth is key to enjoying your life in a deeper way. Here are some practices you can implement in your life to appreciate yourself.
#1: Limit self-criticism and judgment.
Criticizing yourself too much can be defeating. With too much self-criticism, it might be hard to accept compliments from other people. Over time, it can be detrimental to your mental health and make it difficult for you to accept your worth and value. So, consider the source of the negative thoughts or insecurities that you have about yourself. Determine where they stem from, then nip that judgment about yourself in the bud. Knowing where those thoughts and feelings come from allows you to better pinpoint what is true and untrue about yourself. It allows you to better tap into what your best qualities and strengths are.
#2: Remember your accomplishments.
Take a moment and think about what you have done so far in your life. Reflect on the strength you had to get to this point. It is easy to dwell on the failures or low points in life, rather than celebrating your achievements. Focus on what has worked well for you in your life so far and make a list of what things you’re proud of. If there are areas to improve on, or goals that you still want to reach, name those and start working on steps to get there. Each step completed along the way should be recognized as small achievements working toward your bigger goal.
#3: Open yourself up to appreciation from others.
If someone in your life wants to extend their appreciation to you for who you are or something you’ve done, accept it. Open your heart to take compliments, thanks, or appreciation from people around you. Maybe it’s a co-worker, a family member, or a friend. Instead of shrugging off a compliment, tell them thank you and take it to heart. This builds your self-esteem and helps you recognize that you are a worthy and capable person that has talents and gifts.
Learning how to appreciate yourself is a game changer in life. Loving yourself and embracing all your unique qualities is a gift and helps you walk through life with confidence and gratitude.