They say the key to happiness is accepting and loving yourself for who you truly are.

For many of us, the question is how do we achieve this? We often say love yourself, embrace your differences and imperfections and remember that we are all unique. But, how many of us struggle to take this advice for ourselves and well, practice what we preach?

So many of us find it very natural to see the flaws and negatives when we look and think about ourselves. There are so many things in our day to day lives that influence and affect the way we perceive ourselves. Sadly, quite often it can have a negative impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Social media is such a big part of our lives and although in so many ways this can be positive. Unfortunately, we do need to be mindful of what we consume on social media and the negative impact this can have on our wellbeing. For many, the pressure and time it can take to get the right photo and filter to get ‘likes’ and positive ‘comments’ can become normal when using social media.

We don’t generally show photos that do not show us at our ‘best’ and a like or comment gives us a boost. That is not to say that this is not good but it can show people and their lives in an unrealistic way. Usually, without realising we compare our lives, what we look like and what we have achieved in life with others, sometimes people we have never met.

I read that without knowing, we all spend a great deal of time and effort creating our ‘digital identity’. Social media puts a ‘lens’ on our creation of self and this affects our ideal self and how we see ourselves.

It can be said we wear masks to show people what we want them to see. And in the midst of all of this we can struggle to be comfortable being ourselves and accept who we are.

Self love is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It helps with self confidence, self worth and generally makes you feel happier and more positive.

When you love and accept yourself you will stop comparing yourself to others as much and not worry about what others think which helps us on the way to happiness and acceptance.

• Unplug from social media
Be aware of how much time you spend on social media and unplug for a bit when you are able too!

• Don’t aim to please others
Although pleasing others can be a nice thing, have boundaries and do things for you too!

• Don’t worry about what others think
You are never going to be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok!

• Appreciate who you are
Be who you are and say how you feel. Because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind!

• Forgive yourself
We all make mistakes and that is what helps us learn and grow!

• Be positive about yourself
Practice to see and think about your positive qualities and don’t focus on what you think are “flaws”.

And finally…Dare to be you!

Love, Thinkless*LiveMore

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