It has been some time since I have written. With summer in full swing and my children all home for vacation, I found I was spending too much time writing and checking the blog and it was becoming a distraction from what is most important in my life: my family. So I chose to take a break. But, with everyone back in school, I am feeling the need to create and to express myself. I am glad to be back.
I’ve written frequently about self love and wanting to improve in this area. I have been grateful to make significant progress in this area over the past couple of months. To share a brief update, I had some adjustments to my thyroid medication which significantly improved my depression. This has helped me in many ways. I no longer have a constant negative dialogue going in my mind. I feel optimistic and generally better about life and myself. I am so grateful for these improvements.
Some months ago, when I was really struggling with negative self talk, I stumbled on a podcast by Jody Moore, a life coach. In this podcast, she challenges her listeners to make a list of 100 things to love about themselves. Naturally, really wanting to improve in the area of self love, I tried the exercise for myself.
I got out my neglected journal and pen and wrote out numbers 1 through 100. With great difficulty I began writing everything that I could think of that I loved about myself. I mentioned my talents. I mentioned character traits that I’m happy I have. I listed things I do that make me and others happy. I mentioned skills I’ve learned that bless my life and even mentioned physical traits that I’m happy about. I think I repeated a few items accidentally, but I managed to get all the way to 77 things I love about myself. I am going to complete the list today.
Why would this be helpful? I’ve found that when my depression is present, everything externally and internally perceived is twisted in a negative light by my mind. It makes feeling good about life and myself very difficult. Taking time to write out the truth, rather than the skewed version of reality I am living in, helps me. It helps me to challenge the negative dialogue and see what really is.
I am going to get a little cheesy here for a minute, so bear with me. I know that I am unique and valuable and precious. I know the same is true for each person that ever lived. It can be very difficult, but when your mind is telling you the opposite, know that it is lies. Combat these lies with the truth.
I challenge you to discover the truth about yourself by taking time to write 100 things to love about you. Remember, like I’ve said before, treat yourself like someone you love. Look at yourself from the outside and see what makes you unique and valuable and precious. It is there.
I hope you can discover it for yourself. And when you do, I hope you feel a sense of gratitude that you are you.
Love, Chelsea
Reblogged this on Suicidal Tulip and commented:
An exercise I might try doing. When I got married, we had to do some required pre-marital counseling with our pastor, who had us write 100 things we loved about the other person. It was hard, even though I loved and still love my husband a lot. It would be easier to do this list for him now, after 22 years of marriage. I think it will be pulling teeth to do it for myself.
Thanks for reblogging! Yes, it is difficult, but worthwhile. I am grateful for the time I have spent on it.
💜
This was beautiful. I am definitely working on retraining my mind to be more positive. Light, love, and slot of patience
Thank you so much. <3 I wish you luck in your efforts!
thanks for this suggestion chelsea! I will try it out! xo
I need this challenge. Negativity lingers everywhere and it’s like fighting a battle every day within myself.
I agree. I hope this exercise helps you as it helped me. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Always a good reminder to write about the things I love about myself. Similar to a Gratitude List but seems to have an extra little umpff to it. Thank you and good luck with the rest of your list.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. I struggle a lot with negative thoughts and currently I am trying to improve on self love. This is a wonderful idea. Thank you.
I hope it helps <3
Positivity is a great healer! Thanks for the motivational post!
Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing this. I’m working on self-acceptance and trying to treat myself with the same kindness I’d extend to someone else. I don’t know if I’ll make it to 100 but I’m so excited to try this exercise.
I’m so glad you are trying this and hope it helps you in your quest for greater self love. <3