We've all had it: waking up with a pit in our stomach (please tell me it's not just me). It's a sinking feeling of regret about something that we said or did the night before. Stop and think. Nobody does everything right all the time and we're probably obsessing over it way more than everyone else. Also, the way we handle it — Do we learn from it? Do we laugh at our mistakes? — says a lot about us as well.
Once, I was on a cruise that I had won through work, with lots of co-workers. On the last day, there was a video playing on a loop on every room's TV featuring highlights from the cruise. One of these "highlights" was me dancing — in my bathing suit, beer in hand — in the hot tub. My phone started vibrating as texts came in. I buried my face in the pillow for 10 minutes. Then watched it a couple more times. Embarrassing, yes. Funny? Also, yes. So when people I didn't know stopped me on my way out, I realized that the way I saw myself was the way they would see me. Embarrassing and pathetic, or the life of the party? I chose life of the party. I laughed at myself so everyone could laugh along with me. It is now one of the funniest stories I tell.
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3. Accept Your Individuality
Enjoy your personality quirks and celebrate your uniqueness! Think you're alone? Halle Berry has an extra toe. Tina Fey has a scar on her chin. Angelina Jolie has knobby knees. Mila Kunis and Kate Bosworth have two different colored eyes. The point is, everyone has something that's weird about them. The smaller the world becomes through the internet, the more opportunities there are to make connections with people who are just like you. Build a community. Learn to laugh at yourself! Make the most of your "flaws" by playing them up.
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4. Get Help
This might be the year that you decide enough is enough. I'm tired of not liking me. If doing it yourself isn't working, seek professional help. A counselor, psychologist or therapist might be able to help you figure out where your feeling of self-loathing is come from, then how to get rid of it. It's an investment in YOU!
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5. Take Action
The easiest way to lift both your spirits and your self-esteem is to do something. It is almost impossible to feel like a shitty person when you are doing something awesome. Feeling bloated? Go for a walk. Sad? Make someone else happy. Messy? Organize your junk drawer.
These little things, if you let them, turn into big things — and make your whole year better. So forget the resolutions. Love your amazing yourself!
