Hey Friend,

Last week, we talked about how to use self-love to manage fearful thoughts and overcome anxiety.

For the entire month of September, we’re going to focus on self-love.

This week, we are going to look at how we can use self-love to learn to make yourself a priority in your life.

Making yourself a priority means putting your own needs, wants, and well-being first, without neglecting or harming others.

It’s all about honoring your time, energy, and personal boundaries. It’s saying a confident no to anything that doesn’t uplift you or bring joy to your life.

Embracing what you genuinely love and what brings you joy is essential. When you let your passions guide your actions, it ignites a powerful motivation within you. It’s far more fulfilling than simply meeting the expectations or demands of others. Following what makes your heart sing can transform your life in fascinating ways!

Making yourself a priority is not selfish or narcissistic. It is actually a form of self-care and self-respect that benefits not only you but also the people around you.

When you love yourself and take care of yourself, you are more likely to be healthy, happy, productive, and generous.

You are also more likely to attract positive and supportive relationships that enrich your life.

However, making yourself a priority can be challenging, especially for millennials who grew up in a culture that values achievement, productivity, and social media validation over personal fulfillment and happiness

Many of us struggle to find a balance between work, family, friends, and hobbies and often feel guilty or selfish for taking time for ourselves.

That’s why it’s important to practice self-love and make yourself a priority in your life. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Figure Out What’s Holding You Back.

Sometimes we have internal or external barriers that prevent us from making ourselves a priority.

These can be negative beliefs about ourselves or self-love, such as “I’m not worthy” or “Self-love is selfish”.

They can also be external pressures or expectations from others, such as “I have to work hard” or “I have to please everyone”.

You need to identify and challenge these barriers with positive and realistic thoughts to overcome them.

As you practice thinking better thoughts, it will help you to take inspired actions.

2. Set Boundaries With People

Boundaries are your best friend Sis.

They are the limits you set for yourself and others regarding what you are comfortable with and what you are not.

They help you protect your physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as your personal space and privacy.

Setting boundaries with people means being clear about what you need, want, expect from them, and saying no to things that cross your boundaries or violate your values.

3. Learn How To Say No

Saying no is one of the most powerful ways to make yourself a priority in your life.

It can be intimidating or sometimes scary but it means that you value your time, energy, and preferences more than pleasing others or conforming to social norms.

You might hesitate to say no, especially if you are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or losing their approval.

But trust me, as a recovered people pleaser, saying no is so damn liberating and empowering.

If you want to focus on what matters most to you and what makes you happy, learn to say no!

4. Love Your Body for What it Does

Your body is an amazing gift that allows you to experience life in all its richness and beauty.

It deserves your love, care, and appreciation for all that it does for you every day.

Loving your body means treating it with kindness and respect, nourishing it with healthy food and water, and moving it with joy and gratitude.

Most importantly, we have to commoit to resting our body when it needs it and celebrating its uniqueness and diversity.

5. Make Time for Things You Love.

One of the best ways to make yourself a priority in your life is to do more of what you love and what makes you happy.

Whether it’s a hobby, a passion project, a creative outlet, or a fun activity, doing things that bring you joy can boost your mood, self-esteem, and well-being.

I love dancing, writing and creating podcasts. When I make time to do those things, I feel alive and hopeful.

It can also help you express yourself, discover new aspects of yourself, and connect with like-minded people.

6. Set and Work Towards Your Goals.

Having goals in your life can help you find meaning, purpose, and direction.

They can also motivate you to grow as a person and achieve your potential.

Setting goals means deciding what you want to accomplish in your life, both short-term and long-term.

Working toward goals means taking action steps that move you closer to your desired outcome.

When setting and working toward goals, make sure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

Remember that self-love is not a destination but a journey. It is not something that you achieve once and for all but something that you practice every day.

By making yourself a priority in your life, you are honouring yourself and your worth.

To help you with this process, I have created a special meditation for you that will guide you through the steps of making yourself a priority with self-love. You can access it by clicking on this link. I encourage you to listen to it today and whenever you need it.

Also, because I believe our words create our world, I’m sharing this affirmation that helps us to make ourselves a priority:

Affirm: I love myself and I make myself a priority.

Repeat this affirmation throughout the day, especially when you feel tempted to put yourself last or to compromise your needs or wants. Write it down on a sticky note and put it somewhere you can see it often. Say it out loud or in your mind with conviction and enthusiasm.

Thank you for reading and we will see soon.