Böcker av Sasha Ravae

Would you believe me if I told you that you don't have to live your life the way other people told you to? When it comes to our Self-Concept, this has everything to do with the story we tell about ourselves. This of course includes many factors, but the main effect it has is on our identity. No matter who or what you identify with, the question is always, "Why?" With Aspect 4: Self-Concept/Identity of the Self+Love (P)roject, discover who you truly are and how you can remain that way.

Our self-worth stems from the beliefs we have about ourselves, but because of the continuous negative programing that we face in society today, we tend to focus on the bad and unpleasant things and project this negativity onto ourselves so often without even realizing it. Whether you believe it or not, we are each born with an endless sea of potential-we have it now, and we'll have it until the day we die. Just like we cannot create or destroy energy, we can only explore or hide our potential. There is never a day that goes by where you are not worthy. Self-worth is not determined by anything-you don't have to do anything to be worth it. You just are.

For many of us, "tough love" is something that is seen as a good thing. No matter if we make a mistake, "fail," are rejected, or just underperform in some way, it's very easy to become our own worst critic. But being tough on ourselves always ensures success, right? I mean, that's why we do it. Wrong! If tough love was a viable tool, then why doesn't it work...especially when applied to Self? Because there is no compassion involved-only judgment. Yes, self-accountability is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, but that doesn't mean that we have to become a drill sergeant and berate ourselves in order to do so. Through compassion, understanding, and appreciation, learn what happens when you apply a little softness, a little tenderness to yourself-you discover a whole lot of love. It's time to heal.

When it comes to the outside world, we love to explore. But that's because we love adventure-so why do we tend to struggle to have that same enthusiasm when it comes to the exploration of Self? Aspect 5: Self-Exploration/Discovery-Follow the Yellow Brick Road discusses the importance of embarking on that journey within Self. If you have been following the previous aspects, then you'll discover that self-exploration is just a continuation of the expansion and understanding of your self-awareness and self-concept and identity. One great way to find out who you really are is to try new things or even hone-in on the things you already love doing. Plus, when it comes to self-exploration and discovery, if it gives you a sense of fulfillment, nothing is off-limits. Happy travels, family!

More often than not, we tend to confuse our confidence with our self-esteem. But I am here to tell you that they are not interchangeable. When it comes to self-esteem, the foundation consists of the ability to recognize our inherent worth and value, not what we're able to do, have, or accomplish. Self-esteem means more than just "feeling" good about yourself at any given moment-it's the knowing that no matter what life throws your way, you will be able to face it with grace and come out on top. Aspect 7: Self-Esteem-Love Who You Are walks you through the false complexities of establishing a healthy self-esteem, so that you can just simply be.

When it comes to confidence, we have this false belief that it's just something that we feel. But this is just not the case. If it were, then why are so many of us faking it? Confidence is a knowing-an internal assurance that we can handle whatever obstacle or challenge that comes our way. So, how do we build that? The short answer is practice, practice, practice! Aspect 6: Self-Confidence-Say It with Your Chest! teaches us that we are in control when it comes to the development of our knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities...we just have to be brave enough to take the first step towards them. You ready?

The term "self-aware" seems pretty straightforward, right? Wrong! Awareness is the main thing that most of us lack when it comes to Self. If healthy emotional development wasn't the topic of conversation when you were growing up, then it may be something that you never even knew you needed to pay attention to. So, what is it...really? Self-awareness allows us to know what we're thinking and feeling at any given moment in time, and how those thoughts and feelings ultimately affect our actions. With the Self+Love (P)roject, you can finally take yourself off of autopilot and discover who you truly are. It's time to get to work!growth

Self-care means more than just spending time at the spa! When it comes to "caring for Self," this puts us more in the space of "self-reliance," or the reliance on our own efforts, abilities, and resources rather than those of others. Yes, it's important to treat and pamper ourselves, to make ourselves feel special on a consistent basis...but we have to start with the basics first. How are you caring for Self?