Does 30 Days of Self-Love Make a Difference?

Back in September, I was inspired by the idea of creating a 30 Days of Self-Love project. There were many things I was struggling with and I knew that I needed to make changes. Many of the strategies I had used in the past just weren't working anymore. I was intrigued by this idea of self-love and wanted to learn more. For this project, I did videos interviews with 24 women and 1 man. I asked them to share how they were implementing self-love in their business or job, and in their own lives. I started the videos in mid-September and began posting after Canadian Thanksgiving. The project was shared over the next 30 days. I'd love to share with you what I learned and what changed for me during the project.

Spoiler alert: a lot of things changed for the better.

First, I've come to understand the difference between self-care and self-love.

For me, I find that self-care is often overused and sometimes has a bit of a mocking tone to it. As though somehow it's selfish to implement self-care. We know that's not the case and that without proper self-care women are more prone to burn-out, weight gain, lack of self-confidence and exhaustion. Here's how I look at things now: self-love is the every day foundation of our habits and the way we treat ourselves. Self-care is an act of self-love. For example, going for a massage is self-care. Self-love is taking the time to book and go to the massage because you know how important it is for your body, mind and spirit.

One of the things I was struggling the most when I first started this project was how I felt about my body.

I've gained weight over the past few years and the strategies I've used in the past to release weight weren't working anymore. I was curious about the body positive movement and what that really looks like. I was trying to find a way to love the body I'm in today, while making changes to release the weight and feel amazing in my clothing again. I learned a lot of great ideas that helped me to make some shifts including:

• Looking myself in the mirror and saying I love you.
• Finding gratitude for my body right now, as it looks and feels.
• Making mindful eating choices and listening to my body when I'm eating.
• Letting go of comparing my body to anyone else's.
• Paying closer attention to foods that were giving me energy or stealing my energy.

Another great a-ha moment for me was when I was presenting at a USANA Product Education Workshop in Vancouver.

USANA has a great 5 day program called the Reset. This was the product that introduced me to low glycemic eating more than 12 years ago. The first time I did the Reset, I released about 5 lb. And I've repeated the program many times since with similar success. The last time I did the program over the summer, I didn't lose any weight and I was discouraged. As I was sharing about the benefits of the program during my presentation, I realized that the key benefit is getting rid of sugar cravings. Weight loss is a side effect. Hmmmmm. I have always struggled with sugar cravings and I knew that the Reset worked in the past to get rid of my cravings. 

On my way home after the event, I ate a chocolate bar for dinner.

I made the choice to start the program the next day, and instead of focusing on weight loss, I chose to do it from a place of self-love. It was a totally different experience. By the end of the 5 days my sugar cravings were gone and my clothes were starting to feel more comfortable.

I went from eating chocolate every single day to saying no thanks to a delicious piece of chocolate cake, without a struggle.

I didn't weigh myself either. And since that time, it's been easier to implement mindful and intuitive eating. I'm feeling so much better when I eat now!

One theme that was repeated time and time again was gratitude.

That might seem obviously because my biz is called Wake Up With Gratitude, however many of the people I interviewed it was our first conversation. Some of gratitude practices shared included:

• Writing your evening gratitude by candlelight.
• Colouring as a gratitude and healing practice.
• Expressing gratitude for your body as you move throughout the day.
• Acts of service as a gratitude practice.
• And several women suggested to start your day with gratitude. This is my number one, favorite gratitude practice.

Other changes I have noticed is that by starting the day with one of these interviews, whether I'm recording or listening to one I've recorded earlier, is that my frame of mind for the day is SUPER POSITIVE! Each one of my guests shares one tip at the end of their video, whether it be to drink more water or start a daily meditation practice. And every one of them has shared something different. Which means that at least one of these suggestions will resonate with you. 

This 30 Days of Self-Love project really has made such a difference in my own life. And I know that it's had a positive effect for many who have been following along. That's why I'm continuing with this project beyond the 30 days. My promise is to continue sharing these great interviews and introducing you to many other wonderful women and men who are practicing self-love. 

Here's how you can access the project:

• Facebook video playlist
• YouTube video playlist
• Subscribe to receive 1 video in your inbox daily
• NEW! Wake Up With Gratitude Podcast - these interviews are being shared on the podcast, as well as solo episodes on all things GRATITUDE.

I'd love to hear from you! Have you listened to any of these interviews? Are you making some of the changes in your own life? Do you know someone who would be a great fit for the project? Message me at info (at) julieboyer.com please!