Ali - The self love workbook: a life-changing guide to boost self-esteem, recognize your worth and find genuine happiness

the SELF LOVE WORKBOOK

a life-changing guide to boost self-esteem, recognize your worth and find genuine happiness

Shainna Ali, PhD

Text copyright 2018 Shainna Ali. Design and concept copyright 2018 Ulysses Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized duplication in whole or in part or dissemination of this edition by any means (including but not limited to photocopying, electronic devices, digital versions, and the internet) will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Published in the United States by:

Ulysses Press

P.O. Box 3440

Berkeley, CA 94703

www.ulyssespress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61243-882-5

Acquisitions editor: Bridget Thoreson

Managing editor: Claire Chun

Editor: Renee Rutledge

Proofreader: Shayna Keyles

Cover and interior design: what!design @ whatweb.com

Cover art: Champ008/shutterstock.com

Interior art: , hats SofiaV

Layout: Jake Flaherty

Distributed by Publishers Group West

IMPORTANT NOTE TO READERS: This book has been written and published for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to be any form of medical treatment. You should always consult with your physician before altering or changing any aspect of your medical treatment. Do not stop or change any prescription medications without the guidance and advice of your physician. Any use of the information in this book is made on the readers good judgment and is the readers sole responsibility. This book is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not a substitute for a physician. This book is independently authored and published and no sponsorship or endorsement of this book by, and no affiliation with, any trademarked brands or other products mentioned within is claimed or suggested. All trademarks that appear in this book belong to their respective owners and are used here for informational purposes only. The author and publisher encourage readers to patronize the quality brands mentioned in this book.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the beginning of a wonderful, life-changing journey! As you work through this book, you will learn to better understand, accept, and love your true self. The activities and reflection prompts included in the following pages are designed to help you increase your awareness of your own needs, desires, and dreams. By the time you reach the end of the workbook, you will come to understand the value of self-love and how to utilize it in your day-to-day life.

Please note that you may be embarking on a new, unfamiliar path. As you make your way through this book, expect to encounter helpful vehicles to support your quest but also be confronted with roadblocks that may temporarily hinder your journey. Although challenging, this expedition is paved with the promise of growth, happiness, and love. Despite the difficulties that might arise on your path to self-love, the simple act of opening this book is a huge step in the right direction! You should be proud of yourself for beginning this process. Instead of staying put in the comfortable routine of your daily life, youve chosen to honor your worth, motivation, and passion. Youve chosen a personal pilgrimage to become a better version of yourself, and this dedication to discovering and loving your true self is incredibly powerful. As you work toward your personal goals, come back to this initial spark of motivation and be inspired! Although you may be fixated on the triumph at the end of the line, please remember that it is often the adventure itself that makes the biggest impact.

Before you begin, take a moment to consider how and why you have arrived at this self-love journey. Although self-love is helpful for everyone, the reasons for embracing it may vary. Delving deeper, you may find that the value of self-love changes at different phases in your life as well. The following prompts will help you to reflect on your purpose for setting out on a path paved with self-love.

As you begin with these reflections, honor what arises. Try your best to be open and nonjudgmental of your ideas and feelings. If you have been considering a question for some time, several thoughts may come to mind. On the other hand, its quite possible that these questions may be new considerations, and you may need to be patient with yourself in the process. As you continue your journey, your reflections may become clearer with time. You are welcome to return to this reflection when the time feels right.

What has brought you to this path?

Why is this journey important to you?

What do you hope to encounter along the way?

CHAPTER 1

SELF-LOVE

self-love \, self-luhv \ n. The active practice of accepting, caring for, and encouraging oneself

Just as water and air are vital to survival, so, too, is the need to love and be loved. Is it possible that a primary part of this necessity is the ability to love oneself?

Although not a new term, the concept of self-love has been gaining popularity in recent years. Thousands are being called to consider that love is not just an interpersonal concept, feeling, or behavior but an intrapersonal process as well. We need love from ourselves as much, and perhaps more, than we do from others.

The process of self-love begins with the mere task of being able to appreciate you for you. It is crucial to be kind and considerate toward yourself; however, self-love is more than a sentiment. Beyond your ability to tend to yourself, you must remember that self-love is an intentional practice to learn and cultivate. Self-love provides you with the opportunity to see yourself completely, to recognize and value your strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and challenges. It is critical to acknowledge your imperfections and obstacles in order to nurture your personal growth.

Self-love is wondrously empowering and validating, yet it is not always an easy task. It is more than indulging in your favorite food and escaping to an island paradise. Within this process, it is helpful to recognize that without darkness there cannot be an appreciation for the light. Self-love also requires the courage to reflect on where you are, the bravery to consider where you want to be, and the tenacity to strive to be a better version of your true self.

With an emphasis on the self, this journey is ultimately an independent one. Although it is helpful to unite with others who are on a similar path, at the end of the day self-growth is predominantly dependent on personal effort. The process of loving oneself is a subjective experience. Just because a tip has worked for many does not mean it will work for all. Honor your individuality as you attempt to follow the guidance provided in this book.

While fruitful, the process of self-love is not a summit to conquer. Instead it is a continuous practice of caring for yourself. Hence, self-love includes the dedication to prioritize yourself regardless of the chaos that life may bring.

Overall, self-love is an all-encompassing practice of recognizing your self-worth, being kind toward yourself, and fostering your self-growth throughout the course of your life.

Just as the journey of self-love differs from person to person, the definition may vary as well.