How many times have you kissed yourself while looking in the mirror? Have you ever said, ” I love you” as you gaze into your eyes in the mirror? This is not an easy challenge to do. Most people have trouble truly loving themselves; however, if we pay attention to our inner dialogue and nurture our inner child I think we can change this. Begin by looking in the mirror, and if you can’t quite bring yourself to saying I love you, at least find something kind to say to yourself. This takes practice. Put your hand on your heart and say ” I love you” everyday. It releases oxytocin which is a powerful hormone.

Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. … When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels increase; hence, oxytocin is often called “the love hormone.” In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in all pair bonding.”

This is why I also recommend hugging a loved one for a few minutes longer than usual allowing the oxytocin to release, feel good, and bond you together. Have you said ” I love you” to someone else today? If you have a significant other, or a parent perhaps, or children have you shared this with them lately? I have been observing how often we say I love you in my family and how many times we forget. We always seem to get off the phone and say ” I love you”. My husband and I make sure we say it before we go to sleep. If I feel it I make sure I text it to whomever I am thinking of. I never want that feeling to go unnoticed.  I like to pay attention to these small details because I believe these are the micro moments that add up to a day of well-being. Paying attention with love and kindness. Every moment we speak kindly to others and ourselves…..this is what will grow……kindness and love. In today’s chaotic world with all of it’s challenges and sad news it is even more important than ever to put your hand on your heart and say ” I love you” to yourself, to others, to each day. I am sending all of you an “I love you” with my hand on my heart.

Try this gentle yoga session to get into the flow of loving yourself.

https://youtu.be/kZhS08VPcUg