Gratitude is something that I’ve had to learn in pieces. It can be difficult to be grateful when you have negative thoughts constantly or don’t feel your best. Having gratitude in your life can cultivate self love in ways that you may not be aware of until you include it in your routine.

Becoming more self aware is a practice that takes time. I feel as though I become increasingly more self aware through every situation or interaction that made me feel as though I should have acted differently, or I should have stood up for myself more, or I think to myself that I never want to be in that position again.

We’re too hard on ourselves. In a world where that’s constant negativity and judgement, where there’s always something to criticize and dislike, be the one that has your best interest in heart. Be the one who has the nicest thing to say about yourself. Be the one who shields your heart from all the hate in the world.

Rumination is so rough. Thinking and then overthinking and then thinking about how much you’re overthinking. It’s a vicious cycle. And it sucks when the thoughts you have are negative ones about yourself.

Take a breath. Understand the thoughts and the feeling that comes with the thoughts.

It can be so hard sometimes. Especially when you’re in the trenches or feeling low. It’s hard to do the thing that might make you feel a little better. It’s hard to get up and be proactive about doing something good for your soul or body.

But practicing self love is so crucial to being okay.

All of us deserve to feel loved.

I’m writing my first blog post at a restaurant, sipping my cute little drink and getting ready to order a po boy. One thing about me -- I love solo dates. They were for sure scary at first, but now I get excited taking myself out and getting to spoil myself.