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Self-love isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital component of our overall health. True wellness is a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit. The journey to self-love can seem daunting, but it's an essential step for a fulfilling life. This was a journey I had to take myself, and I am grateful I did.
In 2013, my life took an unexpected turn when I started experiencing excruciating pain and swelling in my joints, leading to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Conventional medicine suggested long-term medication, but I chose a holistic path. Through functional medicine, self- reflection, and lifestyle changes, I reversed my symptoms and discovered the profound impact of self-love on overall health. This journey has empowered me to guide others toward their path of healing and self-love.
The Power of Self-Talk
Imagine if a stenographer wrote down everything you said to yourself—what would it reveal? Did you know our thoughts create chemical reactions in our bodies? Every thought is a chemical cocktail for our cells. If, on occasion, we speak cruelly, the cells can handle it, but when it is habitual, we burden our cells.
Transforming the inner critic (bully) into a supportive friend (buddy) is crucial. Here’s how you can learn to truly love yourself. If I could do it, you can too!
Steps to True Self-Love
1. Awareness
Amazing woman, the first step towards self-love is awareness. Begin by gently paying attention to your inner dialogue. Many women are shocked when they realize how harshly they speak to themselves. One client shared that she called herself a "pig" every time she looked in the mirror. This cruel self-talk had become a habit, deeply ingrained over years. Becoming aware of these patterns is the first step to change. Notice how you speak to yourself, especially during challenging moments. Now, when she looks in the mirror, she says, “thank you.”
Awareness of self-talk helps in recognizing negative patterns that can lead to stress and anxiety, which negatively impact physical health. Positive self-talk can reduce cortisol levels, promoting better overall health. This is important work.
2. Self-Forgiveness
Divine one, another step is self-forgiveness, and it’s powerful. We all have made choices we aren't proud of. Often, our decisions are driven by our wounded inner child, trying to protect us. Understand that these decisions were made with the best intentions given the circumstances.
Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Self-compassion is crucial for healing. Remember, you are not defined by your past.
Another area of forgiveness is the forgiveness of others. This can be triggering. Remember you are innocent and safe. Stop drinking the poison of resentment, anger, and hate.
If this feels safe, I invite you to visualize yourself crouched down in a room, covered in veils, representing the words and actions of others and society. Each veil is a cruel statement said to you, an action taken against you, or a lie told to you. You are trying to see the world through all of these veils, and it's dark and difficult to see. Beautiful one, I invite you to STAND UP and throw off these veils. You are not broken; you are whole and complete.
3. Embrace the Process
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Embrace the process with baby steps. As a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, I emphasize the importance of gradual progress. Start with small, manageable actions that align with your goals. When I first started the process of awareness, there was no way I could have adjusted each thought. It would have been an all-day project, so I decided I would start with one a day. One time each day, I would catch my cruel dialogue to self and release it, and choose a new statement, something my buddy would say. Spend some time in self-reflection with compassion for self. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Over time, these incremental changes lead to significant transformation. As one client put it, “baby steps turn into long strides!”
4. Challenge Limiting Beliefs
The last area I would like to speak on is what you believe is possible for you. This matters greatly to unlocking true wellness through self-love. What value do you hold in this world? Do you believe something is fundamentally wrong with you? Challenge these limiting beliefs. Visualize your authentic self, free from the veils of the past. Embrace your divine feminine essence—pure love and light. Your true self is not changed by what has been done to you or by you. It remains whole and perfect.
Embracing a positive self-image and challenging limiting beliefs can improve your physical symptoms, as they did mine. It is a part of healing. Mind, body, and spirit are not three different parts of you; they are one, intermixed like day and night are connected. It is day, and then day and night are mixed; then it is night, then night and day are mixed; then it is day again. So is it with mind, body, and spirit connected.
Conclusion
Unlocking true wellness through self-love is a journey that requires patience, forgiveness, and persistent effort. Start with awareness, embrace forgiveness, let go of old stories, and take baby steps. Rewrite your story with beliefs that empower you. Remember, you are not broken; you are unveiling your true, divine self. Embrace this journey and experience the transformative power of self-love. You, beautiful woman, are worth it.
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Meet the author:
Debbie Roppo is a dedicated Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach specializing in functional medicine, behavior change, and emotional eating psychology. Her personal journey began in 2013 when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. By embracing functional medicine and self-love, Debbie successfully reversed her symptoms and transformed her life.
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