Accepting the Little Girl in You

“You are so stupid.”

“Why can’t you just stop?!”

“You are so fat!”

“If you only looked like_____ more people would like you.”

Imagine if you heard a parent speak to their child this way. What would you think? Would you be angry? Appalled? Shocked? Though we would be in disbelief that someone could speak to their own child this way, how easily these thoughts slip into our minds on a daily basis. How many times have you said comments like this to yourself while getting ready work or school, after a discussion with a coworker or friend, or any other part of your day? Sometimes these discouraging thoughts consume us, and we begin to believe that they are true. We begin to feel as if we are not worthy of the love and respect we deserve.

Maybe you had a rough childhood, and didn’t have the support and love that you should have received from a parent. Or maybe you were bullied or teased as a child, and those negative comments have stuck to you like gum in your hair. As hard as you try and clear your mind of the negativity, those comments stick and they just get tangled even more until all you have is negative thoughts flowing through your brain.

Just as a child who has shame, self-doubt , self-hatred, or low self-esteem after hearing such rejection consistently, so  too can we have these feelings as adults. But what if you could rewind that tape of “stinking thinking”  to words of affirmation, self-love, and acceptance? IS it possible?

It’s not only possible, but with a few small changes, you can heal your little girl wounds and begin to see yourself as you are now-a strong, lovable, remarkable woman or young lady. The more you practice the following skills, the sooner you will begin to see yourself in a different light. You will be able to care for yourself the way you should have been cared for all along. Sometimes we have to let go of the past and let our habits die out, in order to grow into the person we were meant to be.

Ideas to help refocus your negative energy into positive energy and affirmations.

1. When you are feeling upset with yourself, or finding yourself saying negative comments, try and picture your daughter or another small child. What would you say to her if she felt this way? How would you approach her? Now say what you would say to that little girl, to yourself.  This practice helps take the emotional piece out so you can focus on creating change in your mind.
2. Envision your little girl self in your hand. If that is too creative for you, find a photograph of yourself as a child.  Really study your little girl. What do you love about her? Why is she amazing? If you could go back in time, what would you say to her now?
3. When you start to have those negative thoughts say to yourself, or even say out loud, “Stop!” This stops the cycle of negative self-talk, and causes your brain to have to shift its mindset.
4. Find daily affirmations to tape to your mirror to read every day. A quick Google search will lead you to many quotes that can inspire you.

Following Self Love Beauty can have a huge affect on your self-love journey in a positive way. Use this avenue and others to help grow in everything you deserve.