How to be happy right now: Self-love Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring is here! And now that the season has officially started, it’s time to spring clean! Spring cleaning is not just about getting rid of those clothes in your closet that no longer fit. It’s also about cleansing your soul and your mind to make room for what will be better for you in the long run.
In my book Naked: a memoir, I explore self-love on a deeper level by taking the heroine, Beauty, through captivity to her insecurities, an awakening, and finally her ascension to freedom from being bound by them. Before you are able to ascend, you have to sift through and stop some habits that may be holding you back.
Below are a few tips I learned about self-love that I believe will help you on your journey.
Tip #1: STOP Comparing Yourself to Others A wise person once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” We’re all human, but sometimes we can fall into the trap of being jealous of someone else’s success instead of celebrating it. This doesn’t mean we’re bad people, but it does mean that we could be putting way too much stock in comparisons rather than channeling that energy for your own success. Focus on improving yourself gradually and take steps to eliminate this behavior from your life. When you do, you’ll notice not only a happier response but also a positive perspective on how you want to navigate your own goals.
Tip #2: STOP Worrying About Others’ Opinion of You. The truth is, other people’s opinions of us are really none of our business. Their opinions shouldn’t dictate what we do and have everything to do with their own expectations, past, and judgments. Stand firm in your truth and know your value. When you know yourself well enough, you began to stop worrying about what others think of you because it no longer holds power over how you think about yourself.
Tip #3: STOP Giving Toxic People Access to You. In an ideal world, everyone in your life would be beautiful additions that provide support, joy, and balance each day. Sadly, we don’t reside in such a world, and we have to come to terms with the fact that toxic people exist, and when we let them into our world, it can be catastrophic. Before you’re able to completely cut off access from toxic people, you have to first identify the problem. Who is surrounding you with poisonous energy? How can you free yourself? Once you’re clear on the problem, you then need to start filling that empty space with things that will help fuel your desires. This is the perfect time to work on your passions and dedicate yourself to what is important to you.
Tip #4: STOP Beating Yourself Up for Making Mistakes. No one is perfect and as we journey through this thing called life, mistakes are inevitable. But when we focus on self-acceptance, we can change the way we think about mistakes and turn them into lessons. Don’t be so self-critical during hard times and ask yourself, “would I say that to someone else who is having a challenging time”? Most likely, the answer would be no, so be kinder to yourself.
Tip #5: STOP Doubting Yourself. We all have the power to harness our greatest strengths, but you don’t have to be perfect to get ahead in this world. Eliminate the imposter syndrome that’s holding you back and believe in yourself, and know that you deserve it all. What you succeed in won't be an accident, and by working hard, you can achieve more than even your own expectations.
Here’s to decluttering our homes and minds! Who’s with me? 🙋🏾
Chic-a, the Self-love Advocate
