6 Self-Empowering Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship with Yourself

You are worth more than your second thoughts and maybes - an inspiring quote I read once on Pinterest. Everyone experiences moments, days, or even months where they question their abilities, worth and struggle to love the person they see in the mirror. If only I lost more weight, maybe if I made more money, or fulfilled my purpose, then I would love myself. While no one is immune to insecurities, let's change the narrative and focus on cultivating self-love as a daily ritual rather than treating it as a future celebration. If you're struggling to love the woman you are, try practicing these six self-empowering tips to improve your relationship with yourself today and not when you reach a personal or professional milestone.  

What is self-love?

Self-love is more than a spa day or a new haircut. It is a state of self-acceptance, gratitude and appreciation that involves treating yourself with love, kindness, and respect and grows from actions that support and nurture your wellbeing. This definition doesn't mean you can't have a bad day or second-guess yourself. You're human, and you can still feel upset or disappointed with yourself, but still, love who you are. When you adopt this realistic view, you recognize imperfection will always be a part of the shared human experience, rather than punishing yourself about your shortcomings. While this is easier said than done, there are ways to expand your self-love and help you value the woman you are. 

1. Recognize what is happening 

How often do you pay attention to your thoughts and feelings? We often go about life without recognizing the impact our daily lives have on our internal dialogue. Practice tuning in and observing your thoughts and emotions. The moment you catch your inner critic putting you down, recognize you're having a stressful experience and normalize what you're going through. The more you practice adopting a mindful attitude, the more you strengthen your relationship with yourself. 

2. Forgive yourself 

Something close to magic happens when you forgive and release yourself from any past burdens. You're human, and perfection is an impossible goal you'll never accomplish. Practice giving yourself a break, realizing the lessons within the challenges, and celebrating your strength, resiliency, and growth. 

3. Challenge your self-talk  

Our thoughts don't always provide reliable or accurate descriptions of what is occurring around or within us. When you notice your negative thought patterns kicking in, challenge their source. Perhaps it's a reflection of your anxiety, fears, or another source tampering with your ability to love who you are. Instead of blaming yourself for having a bad day or experiencing a reaction to a situation, try to learn from the experience and challenge your thinking by investigating your self-talk. 

3. Set boundaries 

An empowering self-love tip involves setting boundaries and becoming mindful of the people you choose to have in your life. Within work and at home, it's necessary to evaluate whether the people and activities in your life are depleting you or sparking joy within. If anything in your life is harming you physically, emotionally, or spiritually, it's time to set boundaries and choose yourself above all else.

4. Speak to yourself with compassion

Your thoughts are powerful, and everything happening in your life reflects your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. It might be challenging at first, but shower your mind with positive thoughts and affirmations. Affirmations work by refocusing your attention, guiding your thoughts with compassion, increasing your energy, and helping you change how you perceive yourself and your life. Statements such as “I deserve to be happy”, “I did my best to love myself so far today”, and “I am free to honor myself first” help you awaken your confidence. 

5. Prioritize self-care 

Self-care shouldn't be treated as an afterthought or reward after a difficult day. It is your right to  honor, and enjoy yourself every day. When you prioritize activities that help you grow, heal, and rest, you give your mind and body the much-needed love it deserves. Practice self-love every day through a combination of healthy activities such as exercise, sleep, healthy social interactions, nutritious meals, and things that make your soul happy. 

6. Celebrate the woman you are 

This tip aligns with the previous tip and is a general theme throughout this article - celebrate the woman you are every day. My favorite way to do this is through an artistic and creative lens. As a photographer, I see women come alive on set. Even if you're camera shy, don’t like to be fussed over or fear the spotlight, a photoshoot built on celebrating your journey allows you to step outside your comfort zone and look fabulous doing it. 

A boudoir session, in particular, highlights and embraces the intimate yet powerful beauty of your body. It is an opportunity to unleash your confidence by removing layers of doubt, inhibition, and fear. When women show up on set, they not only strengthen their self-love but celebrate themselves by boldly embracing the beautiful, strong, and dynamic woman they are. We celebrate the woman’s form as a piece of artwork here at JHP.

As a woman who healed and released herself from limiting beliefs, I love to capture images that allow women to tap into their fierce, sexy, and confident selves. A boudoir session goes beyond the expected, reveals a freeing part of yourself, and provides an empowering memento for you to remember who in the hell you are. When you see a tangible product of who you are without the veil of insecurities, it motivates you to reconnect with that woman every day. 

I'm so excited to invite you to a boudoir session and a day designed to pamper and celebrate yourself. Let's make you feel and look beautiful this February! Book a discovery call to discuss your boudoir photoshoot. 

If you need more help building your self-love, check out a video where I discuss how to cultivate self-love through the eyes of a photographer. I always say I see women differently than they see themselves. I see and capture the real you, your genuine beauty, and your power. I can’t wait for you to see her too.  

With love, 

Judith