When did you first fall in love with yourself?
Was it the first time you picked up a paint brush and noticed how creative and beautiful your art was?
Was it the first time your hips started to form and you noticed the first roll? Noticing that you were human and your body is ever changing beauty.
Did you happen to walk by a store window and catch a glimpse of your reflection? In awe of your appearance.
Did you have a thought or a perspective that stopped all other thoughts – and you thought “damn, I am an interesting, intelligent human being”.
When do you fall in love with yourself and how do you maintain that love everyday?
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Since getting sober I have fallen in love with myself little by little everyday.
I look back at when I was 16 years old living in a group home with no happiness in sight.
My counsellor asked me to write 3 things I love about myself and I broke into tears not being able to list one.
I sit and write as a 28 year old woman – I know that I love who I am. I love that I am…
⁃ creative
⁃ determined
⁃ mindful
⁃ loving
⁃ intelligent
⁃ thoughtful
Overall I love that I love myself and that I explore things that I love.
It wasn’t always easy to love myself surrounded by hate, anger, negativity and living in a world knowing that I might be viewed as less than because I am an Indigenous Woman.
I still struggle when I notice an extra pound on my body or when I make a mistake. The little girl inside of me cries that I am not enough but as the adult, I know that I am enough and everyday I’m doing my best.
So how will you love yourself today? Sit down and write all the things you love about yourself even if there’s tears, even if it hurts. Know that you are made of love and you are loved by all those that surround you.
Ambrace 