Nice, France
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As women we are quite quick to harshly reprimand ourselves over trivialities that we perceive to be negative and consequently spend a lot of time laden with irrational guilt. This prevents us from giving the best and most positive version of ourselves to the world. There certainly is some truth in the old saying if you don't love yourself, no one else will. It's time to relax the rules and be nice to yourself, physically and emotionally.


01. Spend an afternoon playing dress ups & discover or refine your personal style. If you feel as though your wardrobe needs an overhaul, make a trip to your local thrift store and pick up a few additional pieces on the cheap. Work out what you love to wear, not what you are used to wearing: What flatters your shape? Do you love skirts or are jeans your thing? Do bold bright colours fill you with delight or is a monochromatic chic look your enchantment? Looking good is feeling good and feeling good is looking good; it is worth getting a clear picture of your personal style. So thrift shop or dig through your wardrobe, dress up, take a bunch of photos of your favourite outfits and write yourself a personal style mantra in your journal or make a big poster to pin up inside your wardrobe. (also see article: How To Develop Body Love)

02. Grab a crayon & some paper and finish this sentence "I love my ........... !". Simple body affirmations like this are fundamental to developing an encouraging body image and vital to establishing a more positive overall level of self esteem. Particularly considering the amount of time us girls tend to spend focusing on whats wrong with our bodies. Embracing our unique characteristics (and realising that what looks good on your best mate or your favourite celeb will not necessarily look good on you), not only builds self esteem but it also allows you to radiate the glow of a girl who is comfortable with her body and loves it for what it is. (also see article: Detrimental Female Behaviours - Judge & Compare)

03. Do something indulgent that you have never done before like getting a french manicure, a full body massage or a facial.

04. Commit to going for a long walk around you local area for an hour or two, every weekend. It's a great way to get to know your area and to keep fit. Make it a social event by inviting along your best mates or you mum.

05. Eat fresh strawberries for breakfast. (also see article: Why You Should Be Eating Breakfast)

06. Learn to cook a healthy stirfry full of asian greens and lean pork or tofu (if you are vegetarian).

07. Journal positively everday. Write about the kitsch things you see, the compliments you receive, how you feel you about yourself in general, what you achieved, what made you smile, what got you out of bed. Fill your journal with photos and drawings from or representing your day so that upon later reflection you can be filled with positive memories. Try to write something everyday, no matter how seemingly indescript or simple.

08. Indulge in some "ME" time. Turn off your phone, take a long hot bubble bath and read a good book.

09. Don't make plans before midday on Saturday morning. Enjoy a sleep in and allow your body to become rejuvenated and refreshed after a long hard week.

10. Replace your alarm clock beep with a nice song, wake up in style. (TL loves waking up to Jay check out her website for a free download!)

11. Another ME time exercise: Go spend time in a coffee shop, order a fancy coffee and grab a newspaper or magazine & stay a while... have a coffee break with yourself!

12. Enjoy your food. Don't read the back of the box or ask the waiter to take out the whatever, order a regular latte instead of a skinny, don't think too hard & quit punishing yourself!

13. Pay it forward, think of it as earning karma points.. & enjoy the feel good sensation you good from doing something nice for someone, for no reason at all!

14. Take yourself down to the park on a sunny day, lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by while thinking about all the great things in life.

15. Journal your achievments - compliments, promotions, certificates, travel, moments of discovery (just realised your life passion?), savings goals, sporting personal bests, creating your own jewellery/clothing/scrapbook/baked goods.

16. Bake yourself some cookies or cupcakes. Decorate and frost them. Lick. the. bowl <3

17. Buy/pick yourself some flowers. Wear them in your hair, decorate your apartment, po on your desk at work.


What do you to remind yourself how awesome you are?