Question #45
“This week’s gem was about loving yourself in small ways. What do you mean by that?”
Dear HB,
I think we talk a lot about the big ways to love yourself: making wise decisions about your relationships, setting boundaries, self-care, etc. But sometimes we forget that we can love ourselves in small ways, by doing little things for ourselves that make us smile. I say this because we tend to put a lot of pressure on our loved ones to do this, which is wonderful when they do, but I think it’s also important to show this consideration to ourselves as well.
So what could loving yourself in small ways mean?
Having a small thing that brings you joy, and that is its only purpose. It could be a candle in your favorite scent, or a stuffed animal, or a painting. Just a thing that when you look at it, it makes you smile.
Having a moment to yourself, for no reason. Sometimes it’s the breath you take sitting in your car before going into the house. Maybe it’s walking the slightly longer route home to enjoy being outside. Maybe it’s the five minute break away from your desk during the work day. Just a moment that you build in to interrupt life’s breakneck pace.
Having tiny luxuries in your life that make your life brighter or easier. Maybe it’s fresh flowers. Maybe it’s a cleaning service. Maybe it’s some kind of subscription that brings something you want or need to your doorstep on a regular basis. Maybe it’s a standing hair or nail appointment. Just a little thing that makes your life better in some way.
I find that the little things matter when it comes to loving ourselves too, and not just in our relationships with others. This is why I came up with the gem in the first place. Maybe you can also take some time to find small ways that you can love yourself.
