PRIDE

Happy June!

It’s officially Pride month! June is a month dedicated to celebrating and accepting those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether or not you are a part of that community, you can take this month to celebrate and build your own personal pride in yourself. Pride in oneself can mean different things to different people. Generally, having pride in yourself means that you have self-confidence and feel a sense of achievement in your accomplishments.

Having pride in yourself is important because people with pride often have a positive self-image. It allows you to have the courage and confidence to be able to pursue passions, better yourself, and generally lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Let’s take this month to think about how we can foster pride in ourselves, our youth, and our LGBTQ community.

Here’s 10 steps to get the ball rolling…Rather than just read them, do them!

I promise you’ll feel the shift and glow with pride.

1.    Acknowledge and celebrate where you are in your life; the things you’ve overcome and the things you have achieved. This is a great journal prompt; I guarantee once you start writing you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

2.    Acknowledge and celebrate the things that you like about yourself.  Unfortunately, we tend to focus on the negative and what we don’t like. Get out that journal again and at the top of the page write, “This is why I love myself” and GO!

3. Embrace your skills and talents. Think about what you’re good at and enjoy: art, music, organization, writing, cooking? Make time for the things that enrich your life and bring you joy.

4. Set realistic goals and don’t be too hard on yourself. Little goals and steps toward those goals are more manageable and less overwhelming than big goals. Setting realistic goals and celebrating along the way will help you to stay motivated and increase confidence!

5. Check off that thing on your to-do list that you’ve been putting off! Chances are, it won’t take as long as you think, and you’ll feel much better. Productivity increases pride.

6. Go somewhere new, whether it’s a restaurant or vacation destination, plan it!

7. Talk to someone new.

8. Have an alone day and do all the things that fill you up. Get to know yourself.

9. Selfcare! This is the one I need to shout from the rooftops! Exercise and eat healthy because you love your body rather than use it as a punishment or chore.

10. Saving the most important for last…. Be proud of others and tell them why you’re proud of them! Engaging in positive communication like this will surely bring a sense of pride in yourself.

Love you all and thanks for reading!

Let’s let go of fears and stand strong for ourselves and others!

A little note to my amazing LGBTQ community, I hope this month and every month you know you’re loved and perfect!

Celebrate and be PROUD!

XOXO

Nicole