Embracing self-love and self-acceptance can be tough. Being proud of ourselves can also be tough. For many women, we've been taught to stay in the background, to be less than who we are, to keep our opinions to ourselves.

The picture here speaks to me of self-acceptance, self-love, and a deep sense of personal power.

I know a lot of women my age (I'm in my 60s) who struggle with speaking out, struggling with being happy with who they are - perceived faults and all. I know many women younger than me who also struggle.

But I know many women who are breaking free from these constraints, who have embraced who they are in their totality - perceived faults and all. They live their lives listening to their own heart's wisdom and embracing who they are at their core.

Some days I am able to really feel self-love and to accept who I am - all of me. Other days not so much. If my energy is low, if I haven't gotten enough sleep, if I allow my worry about the "what if's" to take hold, then it's easy to start picking at what I see as failings, for beating myself up for not being enough.

When I notice I'm heading down the rabbit hole of frustration, anger or despair at those shortcomings, I have a few tools at my fingertips:

• Breathe - I take some deeper, slower breaths to help reset my nervous system

• Gratitude - While I'm breathing, I take a moment to focus on 3 things that I'm grateful for, or remember something or someone that brings a smile to my face; this also helps to reset my nervous system

• Shift Perspective - I remind myself it's about progress not perfection, and I may even give myself a pat on the back (literally)!

These are very quick tools that anyone can use, and they do help you step into your own power, to listen to your heart and embrace who you are!
Let me know how they work for you.

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** To book your appointment for stress and pain relief; energetic and emotional balancing; clearing the emotional charge of past events; or physical rebalancing through reflexology, click here: https://alisonzeidler-appointments.as.me/