Finding Strength in Self-Love This Holiday Season

Dear Reader,

As we step into this holiday season, I want to share something deeply personal with you. Recently, an old interview video of Emma Watson circulated where she said, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.” This struck a chord in me, reminding me of a moment from my childhood that has shaped so much of my life.

I was around 12-13 years old when an influential person in my life said I looked like Gollum from The Lord of the Rings (link to what he looks like here). No one defended me, and (like any impressionable young person) those words stuck. I was told I was ugly, which echoed earlier statements that I wasn’t good enough. Back then, I didn’t know what imposter syndrome was, but I had it. I would literally tell myself, “I can’t do this, someone else who is smarter, better looking, and more experienced can do it better than I ever can,” or I would harshly criticize myself with thoughts like, “I’m such a f^&*ing idiot,” or “Why am I so stupid???”

Have you ever thought the same things of yourself?

A couple of years ago, I met someone who helped me start to change this narrative for me. Tara, who was my very first lash artist (because let’s face it, I felt so ugly, I needed to change things about my face), saw beyond the physical. Each visit became a lesson in self-love. One day, when I inadvertently called myself an idiot, Tara challenged me, asking if I would ever label her in such a negative way. Of course, my answer was an outstanding “no.” She then said something that continues to resonate with me to this day: “If you wouldn’t call me an idiot, why would you call yourself one? You should always love yourself more than you love even your closest friends and family.”

Her words were a beacon in my journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

So, this holiday season, when times get crazy and chaotic, when we look at that empty seat during the holidays – because it was emptied or it was never filled – let us treasure those we love. But let us revel in the love we have for ourselves even more.

I invite you to a special practice. It’s simple, but can work wonders: Write a love letter to yourself. Pour out the admiration, the respect, and the love you have been hoping to hear from that someone else. All the approval and encouragement that you’ve been waiting for, write it down to yourself. You deserve that love – you deserve that hug and support and motivation. So give it to yourself for once.

Once you’ve written it down, feel free to share it with me. I would love to hear about the love you’re spreading inwards. Or take a bold step and record a video of yourself reading it out loud. Keep that recording in a safe place and use it on the days you need a lift or a touch of positivity and love.

This isn’t just an exercise; it’s a declaration of self-love and acknowledgment of your intrinsic worth. As you write, remember that every word of love and kindness you extend to yourself is a step towards healing and strength.

Let’s make this season a time of healing, love, and self-acceptance.

With all my heart,

Celeste Fernandez High-Impact Transformational Coach | Founder, Mindfull Presence

P.S. - I have a free 10-Day Curiosity Journal if you want to find out a little bit more about yourself in less than 2 weeks. Just click that link and you’ll get the download!

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