i was talking on the phone to a very dear friend of mine she has issues with self esteem and is having problems where she can't forgive herself for something she did in the past. well she really got me thinking, this may be the first blog in a series..we will see. 

                                       GRAMEE 101:  the long road

in life, we may find it easy to love and accept other people, but when it comes to loving ourselves we're not as forgiving. In fact, we can be very harsh with ourselves. so, how then do you learn to put it all aside and really begin to love yourself?

                      
the first step is to realize that you are somebody. you're a friend, someones daughter or son, or maybe someones spouse. no matter how your role changes, you're still somebody. nothing will ever change that.

the next step is to take time out to actually love yourself. in romantic relationships it is often said that true love is shown through actions, not words. learn to apply this to yourself with the following ideas, and you'll be on the road, a new beginning.

dear me...
write a letter to yourself. In the letter describe what you really like about you, and what you'd like to improve about yourself. keep it in a special place you can refer to when needed.

scheduling time
make appointments with yourself to do special activities. for example, you might enjoy going shopping, going to a museum, or taking a walk in park.

the finer things in life
enjoy the finer things in life! eat on your "good" dishes. enjoy a candlelit meal. wear your favorite clothes. treat yourself to unexpected present.

sooth
try learning an soothing hobby such as yoga or meditation. get a massage

freedom of yourself
give yourself freedom to make mistakes. don't expect you always have to be perfect.

forgiveness
forgive yourself for things in your past. write a letter of apology that includes everything you might have done, you feel you need to forgive yourself for.. seal it in an envelope, then shred or burn it never to see it again

day-by-day
live life day-by-day.                 


                                       and love yourself