‘She really loves herself.’
We often hear that said as if it’s a bad thing. As if it is wrong to love yourself.
And sometimes of course, it is. Sometimes individuals become so wrapped up in themselves and their own self-importance that they forget to treat others with the respect and kindness they deserve. These individuals become selfish and self-centred. Arrogant. It’s always all about them.
But most people I encounter are the opposite. They are so used to putting everyone else first that they have no time for themselves. They don’t take care of themselves. They feel guilty when they take time out for themselves. As Christmas approaches, they get more and more frazzled, stressed, exhausted, run down and ill. By the time Christmas Day comes, they are so worn out and depleted that they cannot enjoy themselves at all.
So how about practising a little self-love this week and over the festive period? Make it your gift to yourself this Christmas.
It will take practice. It won’t come naturally if you’re not used to doing it. Here are some tips to set you off on your way.
Stop trying to be someone else. Be true to who you are. Own that. Accept that. Be real.
Stop trying to please everyone else. You can’t. No one can. It’s impossible. Everyone else is responsible for their own happiness. Give yourself a break.
Stop needing to be right and perfect all the time. Accept good enough. Allow yourself to be human. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Allow yourself to have needs that have to be met.
Stop wishing life was different. Start living the life you have today and don’t wait for things to be different. Discover the potential for happiness in the life you have today.
Free yourself from anything that is not good for you. And that includes people. Identify what drags you down and makes you feel bad (physically, mentally and emotionally) and do what you can to avoid it.
Do what you love to do. Try a few new things and discover what brings you joy. Savour those moments when time stands still. Do what makes your heart sing. Do your own thing in your own way.
Stop caring what anyone else thinks. Set yourself free from the opinions of others. This can be so liberating. Who are you living your life for? You or other people? Who cares what they think!
Live in the present moment. This is the moment that needs your full attention. Right here. Right now. Just believe that this is the right place and the right time for you to be right now. Deal with the rest when it comes.
And so find ways to be kind to yourself this Christmas. To look after yourself. To enjoy yourself.
And we wish you much love, joy and peace this Christmas time and always xxx
Now that the old walkway area by Debenhams to the cinema has been recently developed, there is a new restaurant area crying out to be visited. Of course, I just had to oblige! This week Marj and I set off for a shop and food. After a quick blast round two shops, we headed for the food. ‘Somewhere new’ led us to Thaikhun, a street food style eating house of Thai cuisine. Rustic planks covered the walls with shelves of rusty petrol tins. My much travelled friend confirmed it was like an authentic Thailand restaurant. We sat down to choose from the special menu. A very helpful young lady oversaw our order. I had the starter of vegetable spring rolls and my friend had pork dumplings. Then came my Thai green curry with reduced spice and Marj’s chicken Phad Thai Gai. I loved my curry. Service and food were good. Feeling full, we set off to walk off some calories to finish the shopping. Yes, I would go again.
However, the Azure Garden Centre in Cramlington offers an extra xmas treat – a chance to see and pet a reindeer or two! This must be the ultimate attraction. They are so cute. I now look at the local centres and can opt for a range of tempting treats. Do I want ice cream, cake, cream teas … and now a reindeer visit?!
