Building on our focus on change and change starts from within, this month we will start a series on building blocks that can help you through your journey of change.

As we find ourselves in the first week of February. The month of love. And what better building block to talk about then love and learning to love yourself.The change that comes from within you will put you on a path to taking some deep dives into your emotions and what is triggering your or inspiring your desire to change. This will inevitably have you face things you like or love about yourself and things you may not like so much about yourself.

And it’s human nature to focus on the negative vs the positive. Most of us have been conditioned to focus on the things for improvement, the “weaknesses, where we could do better or need to make significant improvements. It is quite rare that we focus or take time to think about and focus on what we do well, our strengths and what we like about ourselves. Sometimes–and all too often, what we like about ourselves gets lost or sidelined. It’s important to take stock of what you like–and love–about yourself. And embrace it and keep it with you at all times.

Some refer to this as self-love. It’s difficult for most of us since we live in a world where this may be considered selfish. But is is not. Think about it. Self love is your personal human right, and a gift to you and others. When you can truly love yourself you move to a place where, yes, you may feel sad or disappointed that someone may not like what you did, what you said, etc., but you can accept that is their choice.

You are giving or doing without expectation. This is quite freeing and has such a positive effect. It helps you move through your experiences of life and your transformation since it helps you let go of things easier and gives you the ability to move on to new discoveries and opportunities.

Self love starts with self reflection and making a commitment to love and accept yourself. Seeing yourself with a fresh set of eyes, with self awareness and love, and learning to love yourself is a journey and an ongoing process. It is a mindset change and there are things you can do to help. These include meditation, journaling, positive self talk, expanding your interests, letting go of negativity, forgiving your past, and taking care of yourself–and accepting where you are now.

Learning to love yourself starts with a conscious decision and an intention. Use February where there will be a wave of collective good intention infused with love to set your intention of self love.