Happy Self-Love Sunday my loves!
As this month comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on how this month has treated you. I also know some people are saying that January was their practice month and that 2019 starts for them in February. Just remember, just because things don’t go the way you’ve planned now doesn’t mean they won’t turn around OR that this will determine how your entire year will go.

I’ve set some goals to accomplish this year. And one of the goals directly correlates with today’s topic. I was unsure of how to phrase the title of this piece so that it adequately represented all I wanted it to, while serving as a backdoor to a future surprise for you all. But Friday night God placed this title or theme in my heart, and he knows best because it conveyed all I wanted to. Keep reading to find out what I’m talking about.

This year I’m really focusing on self-love. I’m giving myself all the love I deserve. And in the areas I lack, I’m seeking God to fill and renew. I believe one of the important aspects of self-love involves accepting yourself, flaws and all. Accepting yourself means being unapologetically you, it means that you don’t constantly try to impress others with a persona you think they’ll like but instead are naturally you.

Naturally you. Two words, various interpretations, yet filled with meaning. What does “naturally you” mean to me? I personally define being naturally you as embracing yourself for who you are and being unapologetically you. You feel no need to apologize for being yourself just because others may not feel comfortable due to their jealousy or ill will. You won’t let your light be dimmed, no matter the situation. Being naturally you doesn’t mean you live a perfect life where every day is filled with nothing but sunshine and rainbows, however it does mean that you are able to be that ray of positivity when things get tough. It means you never give up and you keep pushing because you trust God’s plan for you. We are all unique and wonderful in our own way. And being ourselves allows us to highlight and embrace what makes us so great! This is why I love these words, they’re interchangeable with unapologetically you and bring so many meanings.

Naturally you is my motto for this year. For me, I’m embracing the natural aspects of myself more than ever. I haven’t straightened my hair since December and don’t plan on it anytime soon. I always felt most confident and comfortable with my hair straightened, but I’m just as beautiful with my hair in it’s natural state. More often than not, I’m walking out barefaced, not covering up any small blemishes that bother me. I’m highlighting the things I love about myself rather than tearing myself down. I’m embracing me. Is it time for you to begin embracing you, too?

Self-love is a process. It isn’t always pretty or easy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice it. Any step or effort made toward loving yourself for who you are and not for who the world dictates that you need to be is progress. So take delight in your small victories. Let’s stop getting caught up in unrealistic standards set by others. Let’s define our standards . And let’s do it all by being the wonderful person you are. How do you define being naturally you? Share with me, I would love to see how you define being yourself. Today, I challenge you to begin loving and appreciating yourself for simply being you!