Loving means not remembering someone for part of themselves, but looking at every part of that person and choosing to love them wholeheartedly, faults and all (Paraphrase from Revered Cassandra Henderson). But, this is even more difficult when it comes to loving yourself. Because you know your faults, your areas that need improvement, your insecurities, and your hopes and dreams that seem harder to reach, it becomes difficult to remember yourself for the positives. Thus, it becomes hard to love you.

“I Am Blessed and Highly Favored” is a common response I hear from many when asked “How are you doing today?” This phrase has many meanings, but as of lately it means, “I am going through the struggle, but I am blessed to be alive”, which translates into, “Well at least I woke up this morning”. Each and every one of us has something to be grateful for. We are all blessed, but acknowledging your blessings is the first step to embracing your blessings. Once you embrace your blessings you will slowly but surely realize how great you truly are despite the acknowledgement you may seek from others.

When looking at your yesterday don’t forget to prepare for your tomorrow while living in your today. To rephrase, nobody is perfect, but when you look back on your past self knows that today is the day to fix what didn’t work yesterday so you can prepare for an even greater tomorrow. In the midst of this do not forget to live in the moment and breathe. Open your eyes and realize that you are here, in the now.

Even though this is harder said than done, learn from and move out of your past. Yes, waking up every morning is a blessing because many don’t, but be joyous about your life. Don’t let a funky attitude stop you from having a wonderful day everyday. Don’t block your own blessings by choosing not to take the necessary steps to move forward. Your blessings are awaiting you, but will not wait for you. Stop worrying because worrying can quickly lead to complacency. And the world will continue to move without you.

So today write down who you think you are and who you want to be without comparing yourself to others and without limitations. Acknowledge what didn’t work in the past, acknowledge what you didn’t like and MOVE ON. Learn from every lesson in life, whether negative or positive and work for what you want in your life. Surround yourself with inspiring people who share the same goals as you and never forget that you are amazing, beautiful/ handsome, powerful, empowering talented and people look up to you! So how about you start looking up to you too! At the end of the day, nothing great will come easy just pray, breathe and live. You got this! It’s time to shed the old you and transform!