The Importance of Self-Love

Almost a year ago I set out on a personal journey towards self-love. However, I didn’t realize this was my end goal at the time, especially since I was in a perpetual, slightly self-destructive state of mind. I didn’t like how there just seemed to be “more of me” getting in my way while walking the dogs, or even climbing the stairs all day during laundry day.

When Special K approached me to collaborate on sharing the word about their new Nourish line, I had mixed feelings. I knew that with a product name like that, I would have to open up about how my recent past was quite the opposite.

For years I put off buying clothes in a bigger size, simply because spending money on clothes somehow equated to complacency in my mind.

“NO, I will NOT reward myself with new clothes,” I remember thinking. I felt I needed to actively work towards fitness and fit in my current clothes, and I viewed buying larger clothes simply as an excuse.

After a while I realized that was all nonsense. No, buying clothes in a larger size wasn’t an excuse. It was a simple matter of reality in that, yes,  I did in fact need new clothes and the only size that fit was a larger size. Looking back, I can now see how mean I was to myself.

I realized I was depriving myself of feeling good in new clothes. When Chip or Daisy are naughty, do I hold back from giving them a toy or treat until they learn better? No. I give it to them anyway and hope they do better in the future.

Why, then, was I being so mean to myself?

What if, instead of refraining from buying larger clothes, I bought clothes that would flatter my curves and make my femininity ring?

What if I could nourish my soul with a trip to the hair salon and get pampered, instead?

What if, instead of beating myself up over my imperfections, I could give myself mental compliments?

What if I could nourish my heart with kind words, instead?

When I set out on my fitness journey, I knew that in order to succeed I had to focus on strength and stamina over what I saw in the mirror. It’s harder said than done, but I kept reminding myself of this every chance I got. I started nourishing my body with nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and snacks. I started nourishing my soul with the salty ocean air during peaceful walks on the beach. I also allowed myself to nourish my mind with an occasional glass of wine and my love of sci-fi shows.

When you think about it, it sounds silly. We have one life to live. Who cares if we are fluffier during one season in life than than another? We can’t expect to stay in one place throughout life, and it is through embracing these highs and lows in all aspects of life that allows us to enjoy LIFE.

During my voice lessons, whenever I would talk to David about various issues in life, he would tell me “You just have to learn the dance” of life.

Indeed, old friend. Indeed.

For years I didn’t eat cereal for breakfast since milk doesn’t agree with me, but then I discovered almond milk and it’s been a game changer. The Special K Nourish Coconut Cranberry Almond cereal is d-i-v-i-n-e. There are REAL coconut shavings in there that just about make me do a happy dance whenever I eat it. As cheesy as this sounds, this cereal is my favorite way to nourish my mind, body and soul one bowl at a time. I mean, it even has quinoa! I can’t keep enough of it in the house, and it’s currently on my grocery shopping list.

All of the cereals in Special K’s Nourish line have real, visible ingredients like apples, raspberries, coconut, almonds, and quinoa and are delicious! With 24g of whole grain, this cereal is not only a great source of fiber but I also don’t feel bad going for seconds. (Or having some as a post-dinner snack).

Tell me, how do you nourish your mind, body and soul?