Go L%ve Yourself

February is the month of LOVE and Valentine's day is right around the corner...

Often times we associate this time with romantic relationships, but it is also a perfect opportunity for a little SELF love! With the holidays in the rear view mirror and excitement of an entire new year ahead, this is a great month to prioritize yourself.

The concept of self love involves physical, mental, and spiritual components in combination to create your "highest self" (living in the highest vibrational frequency you can). When we continuously choose to live in the frequency of love (with gratitude + compassion), we emit that energy to those around us and into the world...and we know the world needs more love right now. It can mean cultivating more self confidence and self worth, creating healthy boundaries, or setting more purposeful intentions; all practices that raise your vibrational frequency. There is no end game in self love and no perfect formula to create it (that's why they call it a practice), but consistent practice leads us to personal and collective growth and evolution....and that's what life is.

Everyone's idea of self love is different and what you need to incorporate (or release) in your life to invoke more of it will vary on an individual basis. However, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ways to love on yourself a little more! From what we choose to consume (mentally and physically), how we make our environment more peaceful and beautiful, to the things that make us feel most confident and energized, these are just a few of my most highly recommended practices and products.

*Added bonus: all products linked below are small businesses / individual entrepreneurs,

so please help me in supporting them by shopping and sharing ❤

Self Care

One of the best (and simplest) ways to cultivate self love is through personal care.

For many that can mean "me time" to relax, and the treat of a more luxurious hygiene regimen. My good friend Ashley creates beautiful, all natural soaps, bath salts, and essential oil blends that are aromatic and simply delightful! Here is the link to her Facebook page to shop her wonderful products or reach out to her for more info:

https://www.facebook.com/ashleysartisandreams

As you know I am a huge advocate of clean, non toxic cosmetic products (read my article "The Ugly Truths of the Beauty Industry" for more information) and recently became a Beauty Counter affiliate. They are on a mission to change the future of the personal care industry, bringing awareness to the public and fighting for change in legislation to protect us from some of the dangerous chemicals we are exposed to daily. From skin care to makeup, you will find safe and effective products for you and your entire family (including their incredible men's line, natural sun protection, and gentle kids formulas perfect for sensitive skin). Shop Beauty Counter with me and receive 20% off your first order here:

https://www.beautycounter.com/sarahbeherns

Self Confidence

Exercise is a great way to boost mood and get those feel good endorphins flowing, leaving you feeling strong and confident. Moving your body for even 10-15 minutes a day has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression! And who doesn't love rocking a cute outfit while getting your sweat on? My friend Tracey created Sweaty Swag with self love in mind. Her mission is to bring more kindness, beauty, and (self) confidence to the world, in the name of movement. Shop her super cute athletic gear /athleisure wear AND the 25% off Valentine's day sale here: https://www.sweatyswag.com/

Positive affirmations are one of the best ways to start each day! Having a mantra (or daily message) can be a powerful reminder to the beauty that life offers us, helping us live more intentionally. Tammi, a local yoga instructor and artist, created these exquisite affirmation cards that you can add to your self love tool box:

https://www.tamigalbreath.com/product-page/intention-cards-1

Creating an attractive space helps bring us peace and tranquility; "as without, so within". Incorporating healing crystals in your home and work space can remove negative energy, support abundance, encourage healing, and they are just so pretty to look at! One of my favorite, and most trusted crystal (and other gorgeous items of the metaphysical!) shops,

is Wild Heather located in Bainbridge, Washington. Not to worry they ship country wide AND offer 15% off your order when you subscribe to their newsletter:

https://wild-heather.com/collections

Self Respect

One of the greatest ways to show your self some more respect is to nurture your body and give yourself the gift of health. The best place to start is by choosing a more nutrient rich diet, getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain toxic chemicals found in convenience "food", household, and hygiene products. (Read more about how to support wellness through gut health, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and avoiding environmental toxins in any of the articles located under the "Body" section of my blog)

My go to "one stop shop" for most any wellness related product is Thrive Market. It's like Amazon and Whole Foods combined forces, allowing you to shop online and offering the convenience of to your door delivery. I have been a Thrive member for a few years now and have saved an incredible amount of time, money, and energy with their easy online shopping experience, they even have an app now! If you are new to Thrive, click below and make sure you choose your FREE gift with membership:

https://thrivemarket.com/landing/partner/cj-d2m?utm_source=cj&utm_medium=affiliatemarketing&utm_campaign=Sarah%20Beherns&pid=9250710&aid=13259174&cjevent=fae28f33698711eb814a052d0a24060c

Self Acceptance

Self acceptance can be challenging with today's unrealistic societal standards imposed on us. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be a certain way... I can't stress enough how important it truly is to accept and appreciate who you are and to know that you are enough.

Self acceptance does not equate concession though. Because you lovingly accept where you are today, does not mean you cease to evolve. You can (and should) continue to learn, expand, and flourish all while whole heartedly loving yourself through every transformative stage. Though it is easier said than done, it is completely worth the lifetime of self exploration, and finding even more ways to truly, madly, deeply, love yourself.