A few simple instructions for loving yourself. May they serve you well today.

Lift yourself up with kindness. Even when you’re mad at yourself. Even when you don’t think you deserve it.

Be generous when remembering your own story.

Heal yourself first. Every time you think you need fixing, turn your heart to healing. You’ll soon see the difference. @ralph_leslie (Click to Tweet!)

Use laughter like medicine.

Prescribe forgiveness.

Trust yourself enough to listen. Believe in yourself by believing yourself.

Act as if it’s safe to do more of what feels good (and less of what hurts).

Respect yourself in every way you can think of.

Rest.

Understand yourself through the reflection the world presents to you. See yourself in the people, the places, the events, the rise, the fall, and the mystery that surrounds you.

Be willing to be honest. Be consistent in your own compassion.

Guide yourself to gratitude.

Savor, savor, and savor more. Love what you have, and surround yourself with what you love.

And look up from the phone every now and then. Better yet, leave it home. (I dare you.)

Encourage yourself when it all looks hopeless.

Own your strengths.

Celebrate your victories, big and small.

Prove yourself to…yourself.

Pledge to have your own back.

Keep the promises you made to you.

Be there when you need it most, and offer yourself love.

Motivate yourself with the knowledge that you’re already somebody.

Remember yourself every time you say, “I can’t.”

Reinvent yourself with your own truth.

Invest in yourself with your time, energy, love, and interest. Consider the possibility that you are worth the time, attention, love, and interest of another.

Ask for help if you need it, and be brave enough to show up again and again and again as you are.

Leslie Ralph is a psychologist, writer, and artist who hopes to leave the world a little brighter than she found it.  Her people are creative, sensitive spirits who crave love and peace, inside and out. Leslie is the author of There, I Might Find Peace: Poetry and Prose, Mantras and Meditations for Peace, Love, and Strength. Download her free gift, a ritual for receiving, a daily ritual for bringing more love and light, clarity and confidence, meaning and connection to your life. You can follow Leslie on Facebook or Instagram.

Image courtesy of Paulette Wooten.