Self-love inspired by Gala

I went out on the town last night and once again confirmed how much I hate clubs. I hate how crowded they are and that no one minds pushing others out of the way. I hate the game, that guys, and girls I suppose, only want one thing. I hate that I feel that I can't breathe properly and I hate always being on guard. It's definitely not my scene. It was fun going out with my sister though. It was strange seeing her drunk and how she changes so much. I guess it's an extension of herself and it's funny I haven't seen that side of her yet after 21 years together. I'll endeavour to see it again to know her better.

I am feeling a little bit off today after last night. I want to have a shower but for the last few weeks we've had problems with the pipes and dad and the neighbours are trying to fix it now so I'm putting off getting clean while they work. I thought I'd mention the pipes as I usually wouldn't, and haven't up until this point, because I usually talk about my experiences and feelings on here. I'm not one for describing the world around me and one day, reading back on this, I would like to remember details like the pipes. I should start doing that more.

Things to add to my lists from here --

+ Stretch in the mornings.
It gets the blood moving, it fires up your brain and it gives you a few moments to just be still and grounded before the day begins.

+ Have media black-out days.
Stay away from your computer, phone and television for an entire day. Those of us are who technology addicts will FREAK out at this idea but that’s an even bigger sign that we should try it. So many of us use technology to distract ourselves and keep our minds busy, when we would be far better served by just sitting still and learning to be comfortable alone.

+ Take a bubble bath wearing a tiara

+ Embrace the unknown.
Not everything needs to be planned to the last minute detail! Mystery is wonderful and invigorating. It is the zest of life.

+ Clean out your closet.
In addition to getting rid of old junk, cleaning out closets or cupboards is therapeutic because at the same time, you’re clearing space in your life for new, better things.

+ Forget about your “to do” list and just BE.
That’s when you’ll have the most fun, make the best breakthroughs and experience the most amazing adventures. Life is much more exciting and wonderful when you throw caution to the wind and do something ridiculous.

-- I've always wanted to do this, feel pretty and proper and at my best everyday. This will be a challenge --

+ Make a little extra effort every day.
Your definition of “effort” could be wearing a bow on your head, brightly coloured socks or even just taking the time to sit down with a book every night before bed. Just pick something that you know will make you feel good, and then do it.

-- I want to get an alarm clock that has animal noises, like on Gilmore Girls. Then again, I use my phone as an alarm so it might be hard to adjust and trust that the alarm will work --

+ Change your alarm clock to something which makes you smile.

-- This is a big one. What am I waiting for? --

+ Be good to your body.
You probably know what that means for you. So what are you waiting for?

+ Be vibrant and colourful.
If not in dress, then in word and deed. The world has enough grey! Be the antidote!

+ Do something you’ve been afraid to do.

+ Nourish yourself.

Get still and listen to what your body is telling you it really needs.

+ Get more sunshine.
It really will make you feel so good. In addition to strengthening your immune system, muscles and bones, Vitamin D also stimulates the pineal gland, which is the part of the brain responsible for producing happy feelings.

+ Recognise that life is only ever what you make it.

So why not make it magical, wonderful, beautiful and strange?

+ Run away

Spend some time by yourself or with a close friend. Escape the usual. Go somewhere you’ve never been, spend some time, soak it up. It will shake up your vision of what the world is like and give you a fresh new perspective on things.

+ Dress up for yourself.
Wear things which make you happy! Don’t dress to “attract a mate” or to impress your peer group, wear things that you like. Make yourself happy!

+Be your own superhero.

+ Make magic every day
It’s worth the small amount of extra effort to cultivate a more beautiful life.

+ Don’t live your life online.

+ Volunteer.

+ Be your own best friend.

+ Innovate.
Try new things. Shake up your routine. See what works.

+ Evaluate your life and ruthlessly cut out the things which aren’t working ...
+ ... While at the same time keeping this in mind:
“Simply put, you believe that things or people make you unhappy, but this is not accurate. You make yourself unhappy.” Thanks, Wayne Dyer.

+ Come up with your own definition of spirituality.
It doesn’t have to be religious or woo-woo in any way, it can just be a way of reconnecting yourself to the present moment. Some people do this by dancing, others by meditating. Whatever it is, make time for it in your life, and make it a priority.

+ Share your dreams.
Do not be afraid. When you share a dream with someone who loves you, you open yourself up to new ideas, new contacts and sometimes an extra pair of hands to pitch in! Be brave.

+ Reinvent yourself as an expression of pure love.

+ Think about what you want the theme of your life to be.
Is it an epic love story or a grand adventure? Or is the theme something more simple, and able to be summed up with a single word? “Discovery” or “freedom”? How can you bring that theme into your everyday life?

+ Celebrate the ways in which you have grown & changed.
Growth is good, change is wonderful, evolution is fantastic. It’s proof that we’re on a path, that we’re going somewhere, that we’re living out our story to its full potential. Bake yourself a cake or somethin’!

+ Embrace your power.

+ Start dressing in a way which makes you feel sexy and confident
As opposed to just following what’s in style. Not all silhouettes suit all people. There are definitely styles that are best for individual body types. Once you know what works for you, make the most of it! Few things make you feel better than knowing that you look great.

+ Love everyone.
Even when they hurt you, even when they don’t get it, even when they don’t listen and even when they behave badly. When you love, miracles happen.

+ Take yourself on dates.
Get dressed up and go to the library, eat a delicious lunch next to the river, ride your bike around the city & make the best dinner you possibly can.

+ Forgive yourself.
It’s all in the past. Time to move on, babe.

+ Just love yourself.
No matter the circumstances. You are always good enough, you always deserve it and you are always beautiful, despite what you might think or believe. Just love yourself.

So there you have it. Self-love 101.