Love is powerful and it can sometimes hurt.

With its magnified highs and lows, love is unpredictable and never what we expect—so much so that we might be tempted to cower in fear.

However, if we approach love with the courage of a warrior, we can have relationships of heroic proportions.

Here are 10 ways:

1. Be yourself. If we want to be loved for who we truly are, BE YOURSELF. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Authenticity is so beautiful.
2. Don’t believe your judgmental stories. Our interpretation of events and feelings is, in fact, just one perspective of what is actually true. Focus on what will bring you closer to your truth.
3. Stay open. Fear’s favorite pastime is to shut us down and close us off. When we are vulnerable, we are in our power and true connection is possible.
4. Speak up. There is nothing wrong with silence and yet it does not work when what we really want is to connect to another.
5. Stop looking for perfection. More than likely, what we call “high standards” is a mask for our own feelings of inadequacy.
6. Embrace the messiness. And ask for support through it because it will give us the gift of growth.
7. Get mad. Learn the difference, though, between expressing anger responsibly and dumping it or case building.
8. Love with no thought of what you’ll get in return. This is fearless love in action.
9. Take responsibility. Be accountable for your own emotions, thoughts and actions.
10. Love yourself first. Only then can you love others and be loved. It is time we all practice self love.

I teach self love which allows us an opportunity to attract so much in our lives, including a healthy relationship with your body.

Let me know in the comments below how you are leading and living your life with love.

Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.

Image courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez.