“I had to grow to love my body. I did not have a good self-image at first. Finally it occurred to me, I’m either going to love me or hate me. And I chose to love myself. Then everything kind of sprung from there. Things that I thought weren’t attractive became sexy. Confidence makes you sexy.” – Queen Latifah
Ahhh, Queen Latifah. I love her. People that are unapologetically themselves, genuine and true, focused on their best qualities and unbothered by so-called “imperfections” are forces to be reckoned with and she’s no exception.
Confidence is key, no doubt about it.
When you walk with your head held high, kindness in your spirit, and love in your heart for yourself and others, you attract that same kind of energy back and the effects are astounding.
One thing I just love about Queen Latifah’s quote is that she says she CHOSE to love herself. In my opinion, life is shaped so much by the choices we make. When we take charge and acknowledge that our choices affect our situation, we gain control. By taking responsibility for our feelings and actions as much as possible, we hop back in the driver’s seat of our lives and the power becomes ours again - so I say let’s take that power and run with it!
Think about the things you love most about yourself - perhaps you value your intellect, your ability to connect with others, your curves, your kindness, your muscles, your hair color, your soft skin, your healthy heart, your ability to run, your resilience, your optimism…. Consider a few things you appreciate most about your body and soul, some internal and some external, and celebrate!
In our society, we’re really not taught to focus on our victories for fear of sacrificing humility and appearing cocky. Confidence and cockiness are NOT the same thing. If you’re having trouble thinking of things to celebrate about yourself, think about what the people who love you the most would say when describing you - that usually helps to get the ball rolling :)
So many of us are painfully focused on what we’re not, rather than all the wonderful things that we are - let’s start changing that conversation in the direction of self-love and acceptance!
Now I’m definitely not saying that it’s wrong to strive for self-betterment. Quite the contrary! I’m literally in the business of helping people become the person on the outside that they feel like on the inside - a shining, strong, healthy, radiant, powerful person. However, nobody ever reached their full potential getting bogged down in negativity, so oftentimes that’s where I start with my clients before we ever set foot inside a gym.
Feeling good and looking good are almost always self-reinforcing, so flaunt what you’ve got right now and start that snowball effect! Love yourself NOW, there’s no time to waste!
Positivity begets progress, my friends :)
Sunday is my favorite day reflect and begin my week on a super positive note - don’t wait for Monday to get started! The first workday is usually hard enough, and if you make your Sunday awesome then you already have momentum rolling into your week - what's not to love about that?
Every little bit helps, so start celebrating yourself right this minute, on this very step of your journey to your happiest life!
Please feel free to comment, upvote, or reSteem if you feel this was helpful :) I would love to connect and hear your feedback!
Maybe it’s a good idea to share the things we value greatly about ourselves?
I’ll start: I value my empathy for others, my sense of humor, my intelligence, my perseverance and my fysical strength!
Boom there it is, and it feels good!
And resteemed!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you! And this is a great idea!! :)
I just LOVE your qualities that you value about yourself, and your willingness to share! You're a great example for all of us!
I'll share next: I value my easy laugh, warm heart, positive attitude, athleticism and optimism!
Thanks so much for the support, comment and resteem - you made my day!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
YES! As a Crossfit coach, THIS is what hinders nearly everyone I work with, especially women (myself included). Positive life changes will not be birthed from negative thinking.
My vision is to bring together the Fitness Community on Steemit, which currently lacks cohesiveness. But, we are JUST starting literally. But, I’d love to have someone with this kind of positive mindset as part of the team. Are you on discord? I’d love to chat about it?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is the Community Page I’ve just begun to create. Nothing is there yet, but I have visions of a THRIVING fitness community that benefits/supports those producing quality fitness-related content.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Awesome! I'll follow you, the idea sounds great!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I like the idea of a strong fitness community, I'm on board :) Sharing the same spirit!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I completely agree @coachjj, and I'm so glad we're on the same page! Although it's not what I do full-time I am a Crossfit coach as well, and with so many skills to master in order to become a proficient, well-rounded Crossfitter, belief in oneself and finding beauty in the process is crucial!
What a great idea to unify the Crossfit community on Steemit, and I would love to chat with you more about it! I love connecting with like-minded individuals, and I'd be honored to be involved :) I'm not on discord as of yet, but I will definitely look into it - please forgive me for being so green :) :) :) let's keep in touch!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That’s awesome! Love making connections and growing together. I’m still very green myself and just figuring things out as I go! Here’s the link to our discord server. https://discord.gg/8kbjNN but there’s no one there yet. But, we can chat and brainstorm and I can point you toward some other great communities if you’re interested.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Loving oneself is very linked to knowing how to take the opportunity to get the best version of each one, discovering the potential we have at all levels: affective, romantic, spiritual ... Loving oneself also means being honest with ourselves and with the others, and committing ourselves to the life and well-being of ourselves and others.
In addition, loving oneself also implies being attentive to our vital needs and accepting, respecting and loving ourselves for being who we are.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes! Beautifully put, my friend :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Good article, in my opinion passion and commitment we can achieve everything ;) !
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Came to check out your profile since I missed your reply 7 days ago on that QOTD re the birds/eggs LOL
I played basically semi pro at 3 sports and 2 yrs ago I was run over and nearly killed by a car not paying attn and struggling with basic stuff now.
I have trained people, and at a high level most of my life, so sadly, you would not be impressed with much of my life now.
You are beautiful too, so you have that going for ya LOL.
We need to be more aware of the world around us, in full, off our phones more, and watching the people and life. Being more present.
-- and especially when driving or walking/biking etc.
Have a good weekend.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit