1. Show up for yourself each and every day. When setting goals, break them up into smaller steps so they don't seem overwhelming AND if you're running low on time or motivation, you can have something small and easily attainable. But, chances are you'll feel so good about doing that one step, you'll do more!

2. Accept yourself exactly the way you are, because you were created perfectly. When we are overweight, fighting addiction or find ourselves in toxic relationships, it's because we have forgotten who we are! When we truly realize and remember our perfection, the weight falls off, the addictions are no longer there, the relationships either take a turn for the better or they naturally fall away. Accepting ourselves is loving ourselves and when you truly love yourself you will treat your body, mind, and heart appropriately.

3. Make your dreams come true! Make a list of your dreams and take steps to make one of those dreams come true. Have you always dreamed of going to Paris or being in a marathon? There are some dreams that can seem far out of reach, but if you write down your top ten dreams, I bet you'll find some that can easily be broken down to achievable action items. If you want to go to Paris: look into flights and places to stay and figure out how much money you need to save per week in order to go by a specific time. Want to be in a marathon? Find upcoming marathons in your area and then look up an online training regimen that would fit in your time frame. Making the firm decision and promise to yourself to make it happen is the first step. After that, it's merely the details.

4. Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend. If your nearest and dearest suddenly started saying how fat and ugly and stupid she/he was, what would you say to them? Being the good friend that you are, you would say, "Stop saying that about yourself! You're amazing and beautiful and I love you exactly the way you are!" and "Are you crazy??? You're the sweetest person I know! Would you please stop saying that about yourself?" And do you know why you would say those things? Because they are true!! So the next time you find yourself saying awful things to yourself: stop! and either out loud or on paper, give yourself a pep talk and tell yourself all the things you would tell your best friend. And do you know why you would tell your self those things? Because they're true!!!!

5. Get yourself ready for the day. There are very few occasions that you should find yourself in pajamas, no make-up and a bun on top of your head for the entire day. I knew this wonderful woman by the name of Louis Ann. She was 86 years old when I knew her. She had taught herself piano, was active in the community and just a lovely person to be around. The best advice she ever gave was, "Every morning you wake up, get dressed, put your makeup on and do your hair. In order for things to happen you need to be ready for them and ANYTHING can happen, so be ready!"

#selfacceptance #lifestyle