Maria talks about the importance of learning to compliment yourself, and how to make a compliments jar
Taking care of yourself comes in many forms. Having something tangible - something you can touch and see - can be grounding, and this little idea is fun, too!
When was the last time you complimented yourself, or anyone else? It can be difficult complimenting yourself if you’ve never experienced it within your environment, so it may feel awkward to begin with. There is scientific evidence now to suggest that you can change the way you feel by the way you think about yourself, and saying positive things to yourself or out loud can change you physically, too!
I am loving! I am strong! I am caring! I am trustworthy! I am honest!
If you find it uncomfortable to start thinking about your qualities and attributes, think about someone you admire: what do you see in them? Did you know that what you admire in someone else is probably one of the very attributes or qualities lying deep within you waiting to come to the surface? Go on, try it today and keep practising- practising makes permanent!
Compliments Jar
Make a list of uplifting words, qualities, attributes, or anything that’s inspirational. You could ask a trusted friend, a family member, your boss or your co-worker to help you. It can be quite fun do a list for each other, too. E.g. You're Motivated! You're tenacious! You're good at making time for people! You're good at making time for yourself! Then you could change the “You're” for an “I am.”
Pieces of coloured paper with compliments written on them, rolled around a cocktail stick.
Write these down on strips of paper and curl them up round a little cocktail stick and pop them into a jar or a nice little box. Each morning when you wake up, pick one, and even do the same thing last thing at night. If it’s to hand during the day and you need a boost, choose one and keep adding to your pot! Most of all, enjoy.
