Each morning, I always like to have a cup of tea to help me get started for the day. For me it isn’t just any tea; it’s a cup of mindfulness over mere caffeine, a choice that spares me the indulgence of cream and sugar, aligning with my pursuit of wellness.
I have a preferred tea brand called “Yogi”. What I like most about it is that each sachet, a vessel of varied flavors, also bears a message, a nugget of wisdom to ponder. Today’s message, ‘Appreciate yourself and honor your soul,’ resonates deeply, a timely reminder woven into the fabric of my morning muse.
Appreciating yourself and honoring your soul is a deeply personal and rewarding practice. Here are some ways to cultivate self-appreciation and honor your inner being:
1. Practice Mindfulness:
- Take time each day to be present in the moment. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
2. Engage in Self-Reflection:
- Reflect on your experiences, choices, and emotions. Journaling can be a great way to explore your inner self and appreciate your journey.
3. Celebrate Your Achievements:
- No matter how small, celebrate your successes. This reinforces positive self-recognition and gratitude for your efforts.
4. Cultivate Self-Compassion:
- Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend. Be gentle with yourself, especially during challenging times.
5. Set Boundaries:
- Honor your soul by setting healthy boundaries. Learn to say no and prioritize your well-being.
6. Pursue Passions and Interests:
- Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This can help you connect with your true self.
7. Practice Gratitude:
- Acknowledge the good in your life and within yourself. Gratitude can shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance you possess.
8. Connect with Nature:
- Spend time in nature to ground yourself and feel a sense of connection to the world around you.
9. Seek Personal Growth:
- Embrace opportunities for learning and growth. This shows a commitment to improving and valuing yourself.
10. Engage in Self-Care:
- Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. Regular self-care is a testament to self-love and respect.
Remember, appreciating yourself is not about ego or arrogance; it’s about recognizing your inherent worth and honoring the unique individual you are.
Let me share with you a short story about someone who learned to appreciate themselves.
Once upon a time, in a bustling city filled with ambition and haste, there lived a young artist named Alex. Alex was immensely talented but often overlooked his own worth, always comparing himself to others.
One day, Alex stumbled upon an old, dusty book in the corner of a quaint bookstore. The book was titled “The Mirror of Truth,” and it was said to reflect the true essence of whoever looked into it. Driven by curiosity, Alex opened the book, and to his surprise, he was transported into a world within the mirror.
In this world, Alex met a wise old owl who saw the doubt in Alex’s heart. The owl led Alex on a journey through the mirror’s realm, where he encountered various aspects of himself. He met his Courage, painting bold strokes on a vast canvas; his Creativity, weaving stories out of starlight; and his Compassion, mending broken wings of fallen birds.
With each encounter, Alex realized that these qualities had always been a part of him, but he has been too focused on others to see his own reflection. The owl then revealed that the mirror did not show one’s outward appearance but the beauty within.
As the journey came to an end, Alex found themselves back in the bookstore, holding the closed book. He looked around and saw the world with new eyes. Alex began to appreciate his unique talents and stopped seeking validation from others.
From that day on, Alex’s art flourished like never before, for it was now infused with the love and appreciation he had for himself. And though the city remained the same, bustling and busy, Alex moved through it with a newfound grace, honoring his soul with every step he took.
And so, Alex learned that self-appreciation is not a destination but a journey—one that starts with recognizing the beauty that lies within. 🎨✨
Pinch and Roam 
Sometimes in life, that owl is a person. Sometimes we meet people in life when we doubt everything and our lost. I met that person on August 27th 2020. I had lived 42 years thinking I knew who I was, and everything was great. The truth is life was none of that. This girl put her faith in a lost vessel and gave it the sails to follow the wind again. She made him see the best in himself when he didn’t see it. I’m still not perfect and still get lost from time to time. But all I have to do is look at her, knowing my love for her steers me back in the right direction. Just like the owl in this story, wisdom can come from anywhere. We just have to open our eyes, ears, and heart to it. The beautiful girl in my story is my owl, and she is as wise as can be. And she helped push me to be better, and I will be better every day. And because of her will be the best version of myself one day. I appreciate her and myself more every day. A mirror shows a reflection, it’s up to us to be happy with what we see looking back at us. Because of her, I am more and more.
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