“Take care of yourself”, it’s something we hear often. Typically, we overlook this thinking “of course I take care of myself”; but do we?

Taking care of ourselves can take on so many different meanings. For some it’s a change of diet for your health. For some it can be cutting out toxic people just so we can relieve the negativity surrounding us. For some it can be taking more time doing something we love to bring happiness in and let go of depression. But mostly, it’s about loving ourselves.

Whatever you need, taking care of yourself can be hard. Putting ourselves first is often one of the most difficult things we can do. We are so prone to think about others, take care of them, listen to them…but when do we come first?

“You can’t pour from an empty glass.” This statement is so true. We tend to empty ourselves into other people, forgetting that to be the best version of ourselves, we need to remember to refill. We have to take a step back. Breathe. And think about ourselves. It can be uncomfortable, but its something that we need to do more often. We need to put ourselves first.

The first step to change comes within you. No one knows you better than yourself. You know your deepest darkest secrets, you know you’re hearts desires, you know your guilty pleasures that bring a smile to your face. So, take advantage of what you know. Be YOUR biggest advocate.

The next step is to forget about others. This is much easier said than done. We cannot keep ourselves happy while trying to please everyone around us. It is easy to let other opinions run our lives, but doesn’t that take away. Doesn’t that make it less of our life? It is okay to hear the opinions of those you love, to take them into consideration; but ultimately, our lives, our happiness, is in the palm of our hand. It is our choice.

Lastly, make time for yourself. Our entire life is about finding who we are and what we want. Take moments to learn about yourself. Find the things that put a smile on your face. Find the music that makes you want to dance like no ones looking. Push yourself out of comforts zones to ensure your own growth. It is so important to continue learning about yourself. That is how we become empowered women. That is how our self loves grows.

If we do not love us, we are doing ourselves a great dissatisfaction. So love yourself. Put yourself first. Remember that you cannot help anyone until you help yourself.

You deserve to be happy just as much as those surrounding you. You are the only you out there, and she is beautiful and strong. Take her by the hand, learn about her, love her.