Name one thing you love about yourself?

How long does it take?

If you are anything like me, you will find it harder to think of something you love about yourself than list the things you would like to change. We are generally so much more critical of ourselves than of others. We can pick out all the physical attributes that we want to change instantly but when we need to pick what’s wonderful about ourselves the list is very small or non existent.

There is a feeling of being conceited and self centred if we love our bodies too much, a fear others will think we are big headed and vain, when in reality we should be encouraging such self love in our children. Loving our bodies and leading by example to teach our kids to embrace their differences and talk openly about what is great about themselves and others. That kind of open positive self talk fosters a level of self worth and confidence which will mean they know they are worthy of respect. We will be bringing up children who are not ashamed of how they look, who others will find it difficult to tread on, stifle or belittle because they love them selves enough not to stick around and put up with that kind of disrespect.

When I was a young woman if I had the money, I’m pretty sure I would have looked into getting a breast enhancement. I felt I was small and found it embarrassing because society had convinced me that being more voluptuous was womanly, sexy and more attractive. I lacked confidence in myself and this seemed like a way to solve my confidence issues. Off course I can see it wouldn’t have been and would I have done it if I was able? I’m not sure. Now as a 47 year old woman I can say I am so thankful I never went down that route. Thank goodness I couldn’t afford it! I now love myself just as I am and I genuinely mean that (physically at least), it’s not just me joining the self love bandwagon, its something I’ve worked on and strived for. The only difference between now and the 20 year old Kaz though in reality is confidence and a small but slow growth of love for my body.

That growth in confidence affects the way you carry yourself. When you don’t like how you look very much you shrink and hide and you emit an energy of self doubt. When you feel more self assured there is naturally better eye contact and more smiles and laughter. You are more relaxed and with that, when asked what I love most about myself, I would have to say my smile. I realise that I love my smile more than anything and once that happened others noticed it too.

I have the same smile I had when I was in my 20’s, its no different but back then, I was less confident, looked down, avoided eye contact and my energy was of anxiety and fear. As I have matured, learnt, grown, my energy has changed, I’ve mastered the “fake it till you make it” vibe and I no longer hope no one will talk to me and feel self conscious. My smile hasn’t changed but my confidence and self esteem has increased and that has changed my energy. In recent years the number one comment I receive is “you have a lovely smile” and I can honestly say that never happened before I hit 40 years old and it is a testament to the fact that how you feel about yourself really does change your energy and vibe.

So my answer to the question what do I love most about myself?

My smile, but what I really love is the years of experiences and self development which built my confidence and self worth in order for me to allow my smile to shine through!

Now, what do yo love about yourself?