It's easier said than done, loving yourself. I think everyone wants to love themself on some level. Being content with who you are as a person sounds much more appealing than living with self-hatred in the pit of your stomach. There's a saying that comes about during this time each year. We often hear people say "New year, new me." I prefer the phrase "New year, better me." I don't think we necessarily need to become new people. I think we need to become better people. For me, bettering myself includes loving myself more. When you love yourself, you radiate positive energy. Not only that, but you also become a better person.

1. Rid yourself of the toxic people in your life.

Sometimes it's easier said than done. Sometimes the person you love isn't always the person you're supposed to be with. Sometimes you have to let go of people that do more harm than good.

2. Do more of what makes you happy.

Whether it's listening to Taylor Swift in your room, binge-watching your favorite TV show, or reading a book, do something for you. Sometimes we get so caught up in our social lives that we forget to take time for ourselves.

3. Accept yourself for who you are.

This is the life you have been given. It's the body you were given. It's the personality you were given. And all of those make you who you are as a person, along with your flaws.

4. Let go of the past and who has hurt you.

The past has passed. There is no sense dwelling on what happened because you can't change it. Let go of it and those who were in it that hurt you. You are not the reflection of those who can't love you.

5. Find happiness in yourself instead of others.

You can't rely on others to make you happy. You have to find it within yourself. People are going to disappoint you. However, finding what makes you happy within yourself won't. Even when things seem like they can't get worse, look within yourself for the happiness you're seeking.

6. Be unapologetically yourself.

If someone doesn't like something you do or how you act, don't let it affect you. In fact, embrace it even more. Be who you are and love everything about yourself, even if some people don't.

7. Take care of yourself.

Take time to pamper yourself. Take a bath, sing in the shower, do a face mask. Make yourself feel good inside and outside.

8. Be selective of who you open your heart to.

It's important not to open your heart to people who don't prove to you that they deserve to be in your life. Be picky. Have high standards. You deserve the very best and nothing less.

9. Find yourself first before you find a relationship.

Before entering a relationship, make sure you're emotionally available and mentally stable. Know who you are and what you want. Don't compromise your morals for anyone. Find yourself. Love yourself. And someone else will too.

10. Be confident.

Compliment yourself in the mirror. Wear an outfit that makes you feel good. Walk with your head held high. Put on your favorite lipstick or no lipstick at all. Just know you're a bad ass no matter what.

11. Let yourself love and others love you.

Sometimes the best way to love yourself is allowing yourself to love and be loved, whether it be romantically or not. Allowing yourself to recieve love and return it can be one of the best things you can do for yourself.