As a woman over 50, I’ve learned firsthand just how important self-love is in my life. And I believe it’s something every woman, no matter her age, should make a priority.
But let’s be real, starting a journey to love yourself isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be really tough sometimes!
That’s why I’m here to help you kickstart your self-love journey and overcome those pesky obstacles that get in the way.
Taking that first big step towards loving yourself more will bring you closer to treating yourself with the kindness you deserve.
So, let’s take a look at how you can start a self-love journey and how powerful it is in your life.
Why Self-Love is Important at Over 50
Self-love is not limited to a certain age group; it is a lifelong journey that we all should embrace. As women, we often tend to put the needs and desires of others before our own.
However, as we age, it becomes increasingly essential to prioritize ourselves and cultivate a sense of self-love. We not only improve our own mental and emotional health, but we also show others how to do the same.
Self-love allows us to establish healthy boundaries, make choices that align with our values, and take care of our own needs. It is a powerful act of self-empowerment that can positively impact every aspect of our lives.
You will become a stronger person if you love yourself. Besides, what other people do will not bother you as much. Your whole life will change because you will be a different person after it.
Self-love is the key to getting everything right, from relationships to careers.
No matter what else happens in your life, this relationship with yourself will determine it. You will be better off if it is stronger.
Knowing how to love yourself will help you love others without needing their love to feel better.
READ ALSO: How to Fall in Love with Yourself Again Over 50?
Breaking Down Self-Love Barriers For Women Over 50
While self-love is crucial for women over 50, there can be various barriers that hinder our ability to embrace it fully. Society often places unrealistic expectations on women as they age, making them feel inadequate or invisible.
Aside from that, the stress of caring for others, social norms, and the fear of being judged can make us doubt our own abilities and neglect our own needs. You should be aware of these barriers and try to get past them.
How?
We need to understand that loving ourselves is an ongoing journey where we pay attention to how we think, feel, act, and take care of ourselves. It’s about learning to appreciate who we are, inside and out.
It’s also about accepting our flaws, setting boundaries, and listening to what our body and soul need.
Although self-love isn’t always easy, society and the media play a big role. We’re bombarded with messages telling us we’re never good enough, or pretty enough.
We’ve become experts at being hard on ourselves. When was the last time you gave yourself a compliment? And when was the last time you criticized yourself?
But when it comes to starting your self-love journey, it is possible. You just need to take some action and figure out what might be getting in the way of loving yourself completely!
Here are some common barriers to self-love that you might face:
Fear of Failure
Are you ever scared to try new things because you’re afraid of failing? That’s called the fear of failure, and it can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
But here’s the thing: Making mistakes is how we learn and grow! So don’t let fear stop you from taking risks and chasing your dreams.
Consider failing as a chance to learn and get better.
Struggling with Perfectionism
Do you ever feel like you have to be absolutely perfect in everything you do? Like if you make a mistake, it’s the end of the world? That’s what perfectionism is all about.
But guess what? Nobody’s perfect! We all mess up sometimes, and that’s okay. Instead of aiming for perfection, try to do your best and be proud of your efforts, even if things aren’t flawless.
Negative Self-Talk
Imagine having a little voice in your head that’s always saying mean things about you. It might say stuff like “You’re not good enough” or “You’ll never succeed.”
That voice can be really discouraging!
But here’s the secret: You can tell that voice to hush up! Instead, fill your mind with positive thoughts and remind yourself of all the awesome things you can do.
Comparison
Have you ever looked at someone else and wished you were more like them? Maybe they’re really good at sports or super popular at school.
It’s natural to compare ourselves to others, but it’s not always helpful.
Remember, everyone is unique! Instead of wishing you were someone else, focus on your own strengths and what makes you special.
How to Start Your Self-Love Journey
Even though it might seem hard to start your self-love journey, you can do it one small step at a time. Being aware of and accepting of yourself is the first step.
Take the time to reflect on your strengths, passions, and values. Accept that you have flaws and know that they make you beautiful and unique.
Showing yourself compassion means being kind and forgiving to yourself. Take some time to be alone and talk to your inner self about what you want and need.
Reminding yourself that self-love is not selfish is essential to being your best in all aspects of life.
Thus, here’s how to start your self-love journey over 50;
Set realistic goals for self-love
Setting realistic goals is an essential part of any journey, including the journey of self-love.
Begin by identifying areas in your life where you feel you need more self-love. It could be taking care of your physical health, nurturing your emotional well-being, or pursuing your passions and interests.
Break down these areas into smaller, achievable goals. For example, if physical health is a priority, set a goal to engage in regular exercise or adopt a nutritious eating plan.
Remember, the key is to set realistic goals that align with your current stage of life and to celebrate your progress along the way. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards these goals.
Practice self-care and self-compassion
Self-care and self-compassion are integral components of self-love. Prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Do things that make you happy and calm down, like reading a book, going for long walks, or doing something you enjoy.
Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations to show yourself compassion. Be kind and compassionate to yourself the way you would treat a loved one.
Remember that taking care of yourself is a must if you want to feel better.
READ ALSO: A 29-Days February Self-Care Challenge For Women Over 50
Take care of your body
Getting enough exercise and eating well can help you feel better about your self-worth. When you are feeling good inside, you will look and act better.
If you know you are working to become healthier by eating well and exercising every day, that will have a positive effect on others.
You feel good when you work out because it releases endorphins from your brain. A lot of healthy foods can also make you feel better.
Surround yourself with positive influences
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on our self-perception and self-love journey.
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Seek out positive influences that inspire you to embrace self-love and challenge societal expectations.
Join communities or groups where women over 50 are valued and given power. Connect with people who understand the unique problems and experiences that women go through at this point in their lives.
When you surround yourself with good people, you create a safe space that helps you love yourself and grow as a person.
Overcome self-doubt and negative self-talk
Self-doubt and negative self-talk can be major obstacles on our journey to self-love. There are harmful patterns that you should be aware of and work to break.
Those pesky thoughts can really get in the way of loving ourselves. But guess what? We can totally beat them!
First off, be aware of those harmful thoughts creeping in. Recognize their harmful patterns. Once you spot them, you can start to break free from them.
Whenever you catch yourself thinking something negative, ask yourself, “Is this really true?” Often, you’ll find that those thoughts are just plain wrong! Replace them with positive affirmations instead.
Fill your space with reminders of your worth and success. Whether it’s sticky notes with uplifting messages or pictures that make you smile, surround yourself with things that lift you up.
You deserve love and respect—from others and from yourself! Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, just like you would a good friend.
Overcoming self-doubt takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, you can totally do it! Keep fighting those negative thoughts and building a positive, loving image of yourself.
Be grateful always
Being grateful means appreciating the good things in our lives – the stuff we’ve accomplished and what we’re able to do. And guess what? It’s a big part of loving ourselves!
Here’s a simple idea: every day, take a little time to think about what you’re grateful for. It could be something big or something small, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are grateful for the gift of life and every other blessing you have around you.
It is nice to cherish the little things that make you happy, and be thankful for everything.
So, take a moment each day to be grateful. It might just make your day a little brighter!
Start doing new things
Remember the last time you felt super excited about something? I’m talking about the good kind of excitement—not the grumpy kind!
Trying new things is like adding spice to your life. It helps you discover more about yourself and boosts your confidence. And guess what? It makes you stronger too, so you can handle whatever surprises life throws your way.
And here’s the fun part: you never know what awesome talents or interests you might uncover when you step out of your comfort zone!
So go ahead, give something new a try. You might just find a whole new world of awesomeness waiting for you!
READ ALSO: 50 Self-Love Habits Women Over 50 Need To Try In The New Year
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries means deciding what’s okay and what’s not okay for you. It’s like drawing a line to protect yourself and your feelings. Pretty cool, right?
Begin by setting yourself some easy goals. Maybe it’s saying no to something you don’t want to do, or speaking up when someone makes you uncomfortable. Practice makes perfect!
Learn to say no. Saying no can be tough, but it’s super important for your self-love journey. It’s okay to turn down things that don’t feel right to you. You’re not being mean – you’re just taking care of yourself!
Remember, setting boundaries is all about valuing yourself and respecting your own limits. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your self-love grow!
Use affirmations
Now, you might think affirmations are a bit cheesy, but trust me, they can actually work wonders at boosting our self-belief.
Find an affirmation that feels right for you. It could be something like “I am capable and worthy” or “I deserve to be happy.”
Practice saying your affirmation out loud every day. It might feel weird at first, but the more you say it, the more it’ll sink in.
If speaking out loud feels too strange, try writing your favorite affirmations on sticky notes and placing them where you’ll see them often. Maybe on your bathroom mirror or at your desk.
So go ahead, give affirmations a shot! You might be surprised at how much they can help boost your confidence and self-belief.
Relax and unplug
Ever noticed how watching certain news reports or scrolling through social media can leave you feeling tense or down? Do you feel bad about ourselves when we see other women over 50 on Instagram with perfect bodies?
Well, it’s time to ditch those triggers!
Unfollow those social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Skip the glossy magazines with their airbrushed perfection. And don’t get sucked into the drama on Facebook.
Instead, spend your time on things that make you feel good. Or, better yet, take a break from it all and focus on being present in your daily life.
Starting your self-love journey is simpler than you might think!
Always keep in mind that there is no one right way to love yourself. You need to choose what works best for you. Just be patient and enjoy the ride!
READ ALSO: 15 Self-Love Exercises That Will Change Your Life Forever
Always celebrate your life
You’ve lived a vibrant life, full of ups and downs, successes and challenges. It’s time to embrace who you are and honor the journey you’ve been on.
You’re one of a kind! Celebrate the things that make you different and special. Whether it’s your quirks, talents, or passions, they all contribute to the amazing person you are.
You’ve achieved so much in your life, both big and small. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate these accomplishments. Whether it’s raising a family, excelling in your career, or simply making someone smile, each achievement is worth celebrating.
With age comes wisdom. Take pride in the lessons you’ve learned and the insights you’ve gained over the years. Your experiences have shaped you into the incredible person you are today.
A big part of loving yourself is accepting who you are and celebrating your successes. You can fully appreciate what a great person you are when you know your own worth and value.
Do not be afraid to love yourself and be proud of how far you have come. You deserve it!
Closing Thoughts
Women of all ages, but especially those over 50, should make self-love a part of their lives. It is a transformative journey that allows us to prioritize ourselves, nurture our well-being, and live authentically.
Putting self-love first and believing in your own worth will lead to a future full of happiness, fulfillment, and inner peace.
What I can tell you is that the whole self-love process is incredible. I feel so fabulous, even in my 50s. The journey has made me much happier, healthier and live a more intentional life.
Remember, self-love is a lifelong practice that requires patience, compassion, and dedication. It’s also an ongoing process for me, and it’s a journey I plan to stick to for the rest of my life.
Be kind to yourself as you navigate this transformative journey. Surround yourself with positivity, set realistic goals, and celebrate your individuality. You are deserving of love, happiness, and all the wonderful things life has to offer.
Cheers to a future filled with self-love and self-empowerment!
♡ Love ♡,
Schellea
