One of my first ever blog posts was on affirmations. A subject that continues to be so key in anyone transformative journey. However, I believe there is one step that must come before the affirmations can really take effect and that is love. Loving yourself and accepting yourself for who you are now. Only once you can accept who you are now can you truly begin to make a change for the future.

Fact 1: if you spoke to your friends how you speak to yourself you wouldn’t have any!

As humans we are programmed to think negatively. We find it easier to notice flaws, especially when it comes to ourselves. I do not believe there is anyone who can look at themselves in the mirror and 100% like what they see. So why are we so down on ourselves? That’s a debate that could be a post all on it’s own to be fair, but ultimately it comes down to liking you for you!

Fact 2: Not many people in the world love themselves

Yes, even those models who post perfect selfies still secretly dislike themselves or parts of their body. We all see picture of the best bits that people are willing to share. We don’t see the 50 pictures that were taken to get that “perfect” selfie.

Fact 3: Telling yourself “I love you” is really hard!

In fact I remember listening to an interview on Davina McCall, and she said that she couldn’t tell herself this, yet she is on television and part of advertising companies where looks would be considered key. So why couldn’t she say it? Because we are our own worst critics and will notice every little flaw inside and out!

Fact 4: Telling yourself “I love you” is possible

Like anything in life, just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just may take a few times, or you may have to step it back a bit and just say “I like you”.

Fact 5: When you fall in love with you, anything is possible

And I do truly believe this last fact as this was what has been most life changing for me. Once I found myself accepting me and loving me for who I was in that moment I developed a drive to want to be better. I wanted to give my body the right foods, I wanted to exercise and feel good about myself. I wanted to learn and expand my mind so that I could grow mentally as well as physically.

This love has helped me get to a point where I am exercising 4-5 times a weeks, drinking enough fluid per day and eating a much more balanced diet. I have gone from a size 18 to a size 10 in 18 months and have so much appreciation for myself. I do not judge myself by other peoples standards but focus on the ones I now set for myself.

My challenge to you today is to look yourself in the eye and tell yourself “I love you”. Do it until you believe it and then never stop.