How a sticker inspired self-love and a return to the present moment. LoveSelf’s contributor Beth Ricanati, MD offers a simple practice for mindfulness and self-love.

We all need friendly reminders sometimes. I want to share a great reminder that I learned: a reminder to take a deep breath and allow my best self to shine. How? With the help of a little blue dot.   You place one little blue dot sticker anywhere you need a reminder to take a deep breath and return to self-love.

You know what I’m talking about…those little stickers that come in a variety of colors from any supply store. They are packaged in those skinny strips so you can just peel one off at a time.

Perhaps you need to place a sticker on your mirror to remind yourself how beautiful you are. Maybe place one on a snack cabinet door to remind yourself that your body loves raw nuts. Stick a happy dot on the refrigerator to remind you to add awesome greens to your dinner.

It works! I couldn’t believe it, but it actually works. For a while after learning about this, I kept a strip of blue dots with me at work, doling them out as needed. My favorite place: my desktop computer. Every time I sat back down at my desk I was reminded to return to the present moment and breath.

I would take 2-3 slow breaths, inhaling and exhaling to the count of four and most importantly at that time, pausing. In just pausing, I was able to be mindful of what I was doing at that moment – and this simple act helped to refocus me, to ground me, and keep me present.

Why does this work? Our breath is something that we have with us all the time; something that keeps us alive – a built-in tool to help us relax, to be present and focused. We can modulate our breathing – hence, mindful breathing – and therefore modulate our body’s reaction to it. If you are stressed and your fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system) kicks in, there is a pretty good chance that your breaths are shallow and rapid. Conversely, when you are relaxed, your rest-and-digest response kicks in (parasympathetic nervous system) and you are able to breathe more deeply and slowly. Your tense shoulders will drop back into place, your clenched jaw will unclench; your fisted palms will relax ~ in other words, relaxed breathing = relaxed muscles and a happier mind!

It takes practice though. Just like going from casual jogging to running a 10K. Mindful breathing is the same way. The benefit: when confronted with a stressful situation, you’ve got a built-in therapy. And just think, it can all start with a little blue dot!

I want you to place dots all over your kitchen: on your refrigerator, on your cabinets, maybe even on your counters. I want you to place them anywhere that you need a reminder to be mindful. Looking at the dot is a visual reminder to breathe and treat yourself lovingly.

Send us a picture of your favorite place for the blue dot!

The post An Easy Mindfulness Practice for Self Love appeared first on LoveSelf.

A woman’s journey of forgiveness, healing, and wellness. Plus loving wisdom tips that may change your life.

In this story you will read about Andrea Nagel. A woman that endured sexual assault, a broken back, and ridicule for obesity. In her story she loses 175 pounds. Yet, I don’t want you to read this as a weight loss journey, I want you to look for her spirit. How did her overall wellness improve? What changed in her emotions and her outlook? Where did she find the strength to persevere? And most importantly how did self-love inspire such amazing healing?

Andrea was born to an Italian family in Long Island, New York. At two years old she already weighed 50 pounds! Bread and pasta were her food of choice and weight became her constant focus. Even when she dieted, she perceived herself as fat. Andrea describes the “mean people” that would pick on her and feeling uncomfortable with what she now knows are her beautiful curves. Food was both her friend and her enemy. Andrea ate to celebrate, to entertain, and also to soothe her emotions.

Speaking to Andrea, you hear the underlying power in her voice that would save her life in the coming years.

While in college a man followed her home and raped her at knifepoint. She spoke to me about the horror, about disappearing from her body. Of the fog that followed. “Is everyone staring at me? Does everyone know?” She escaped with her life and knew that she couldn’t allow the attacker to take her spirit. Andrea tells me. “I wasn’t sleeping. I would start sweating with PTSD before leaving the house”. Her therapist recommended she write a letter to her attacker. “I wrote for myself”, she said. “It was as if a light switch was turned on and the healing began”.

“Talk about it. It helps”.

Andrea began moving forward in her life yet describes “eating and eating through all of this because food was comfort”. She gained more and more weight and talked about the extreme prejudice directed at overweight people. Andrea describes “people staring”. If she ordered a salad at a restaurant people would assume she must have been hiding what she usually ate. If she decided to have dessert the response was “no wonder she is fat”. Despite the ridicule, she never allowed people to see her pain. She would dress up and choose to look her best. “At least they couldn’t judge me for what I was wearing”, Andrea said describing the hurt she endured from the criticism.

As Andrea was getting her life together with a great job in New York City and a seemingly lovely path in front of her, she was in a skiing accident and broke bones in her back. “Thank goodness I twisted or it would have been my spine”. After a weeklong hospital stay and three months of therapy her back began to heal but her spirit did not. The old wounds surfaced. She began to eat more and more. She describes feeling like a “constant contradiction”. She knew she was “lucky” yet was also very depressed so the yo-yo dieting continued.

Two weeks before her second son was born, tragedy again struck. Andrea’s mom suddenly died of undiagnosed stage four-breast cancer. Andrea fell into a life altering depression. For the next two year she took care of everyone but herself. Her weight ballooned to 300 pounds. Andrea’s knees were in constant pain. She developed thyroid symptoms. The more weight she gained, the more out of control she felt. One day the moment came when she knew things had to change. Andrea was doing laundry in the basement and couldn’t walk up the stairs. She realized she had to become okay with herself first so she could be healthy for her boys. In other words, she began to understand that loving starts with self. She didn’t know what that meant for her life or how she was going to accomplish true healing, yet she knew a step had to be made.

Andrea shifted her diet and began to exercise. Being the incredibly tenacious person she has always been, Andrea had heard that a friend was running a half marathon and decided to do the same! At 288 pounds she got on the treadmill and started running. (LoveSelf Note: Check with your body. Running worked for Andrea. Maybe a stroll or swimming will be what calls to you). Andrea’s friend offered her advice that is a great metaphor for all of life, “If you can run a mile you can run a marathon”. At 250 pounds she ran her first marathon. Andrea was so energized by her accomplishment that she chose to do an obstacle course race. At the last hurdle, she couldn’t get over the soapy wall and recalls someone grabbing her hand and pulling her over. “You never know who is going to be in your life to help you.”

Andrea had learned the love of exercise yet still was in a battle with food. She continued to diet but didn’t want the burden of constant sacrifice when once again a friend came along with inspiration. Andrea was introduced to the Paleo lifestyle and began learning about clean eating, not calories. She stopped dieting and started real food. (LoveSelf Note: Every BODY is different. Choose the clean eating program that is right for you. Food is medicine and the fuel that heals).

Andrea has lost 175 pounds and kept it off. Her spirit is healed. She knows her power. She cooks with her boys who don’t recall their mom ever being overweight. Andrea has begun teaching people about healthy eating and even started her own healing blog, www.theenlightenedculinist.com. Most importantly Andrea has learned that she is here for a reason. She beautifully describes that the pain of her life has made her stronger.  We talked about moments change lives and that life is a lesson. And that always, always we must be happy with ourselves first.

Andrea knows that “Your body is beautiful. Every scar is a victory mark”.

Here are some beautiful wisdom tips to incorporate into your own life.

Believe in yourself.

What happens to you doesn’t define you.

There is always a way out of depression to authentic joy.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Andrea created for you a heathy decadent Twice Baked Sweet Potato with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Check out the recipe. Yum!

The post Healing from Rape, Injury, and Obesity: A Self Love Story appeared first on LoveSelf.

We adore featuring mind, body, and spirit wellness in our True To You Wellness Tips. We highlight inspired tips ranging from the fabulous benefits of lemons to how to love yourself through heartbreak.

Check out our latest turmeric tips created by our our contributing physician, Dr. Beth.

Do you have wellness tips you would like to see featured? Questions regarding self love and healing food?! Reach out. We love to hear from you.

The post Turmeric and Self Love Wellness Tips appeared first on LoveSelf.

New Beginnings. Two Simple Steps to Begin Everyday with Self Love and Joy!

As a new year opens it eyes, know that every moment is an opportunity for a new beginning. Not because we are dismissing our past, because we are integrating, accepting, loving, and choosing again.

On this day, what can you do for yourself that will change your life and the lives of those around you? Did you know that one person choosing self-love and compassion impacts thousands? We are all one and in the energy of our inner beauty we bless the new dawn.

Below are two easy steps to incorporate everyday.

• Begin each morning by placing your hand on your heart.  Hold your hand on your heart and offer love to the magic that beats and carries your life force. Your same beautiful heart has been with you as a small child, through your joy, and your heartbreak. The energy of the heart has a greater electronic magnetic field than even the human brain. Whisper kindness to your heart. Say thank you.

• The power of you begins with food. Food fuels you, heals your body, and has the power to change your thoughts. Consider that 80% of your serotonin is absorbed through your digestive tract. Your gut feeds and speaks to your brain. Start your day with self-love by eating delectable food that nourishes your body. How about a juicy organic orange or a yummy toasted pecan?

You deserve to be the best most powerful you.

Need more ideas check out our Wellness Tips and Healing Recipes.

The post Two Simple Steps to Begin Everyday with Self Love and Joy appeared first on LoveSelf.

What To Do When the One You Love Stops Loving You Back.

I remember finally falling in love. For real this time! I imagined that all my challenging relationships had resulted in leading me to this one true incredible lifetime love.

Or NOT.

I tried so hard that it became this constant reach. Then one day I realized the tighter I began to grasp for the return of my soul mate the more elusive this love became. I believe in love. Totally. Fully. Just not in the way those damn princess movies taught us.

1. Life isn’t fair. Choose love anyway.

Here is how this works people. Life hurts. It isn’t meant to be easy. Relationships trigger all of our deep-seated crap and we either have to look at it or run. That’s the point. Much like a light shining in a dark room, the dirt and clutter is exposed and so are we. So exhale, be thankful for the experience, and start cleaning out the junk.

2.  You don’t need to plan your life. Just take your next best step.

Have you imagined a big white dress and your ‘complete me’ waiting for you at the end of a long aisle? Have you planned for that one-day and one kiss that would change your life? Yea? Well stop it! Guess what? That day isn’t going to make you happy. Life doesn’t stop and turn into a romance novel when the veil lifts. Nope. The only veil that truly lifts is when the catering bill comes and life starts.

Clue. We have no idea what the future holds. So jump in with both feet today. Not because you are manipulating for a better tomorrow but because this moment is all you have. Not when it feels safe. Not when it is easy. Right now.

3. It is all an illusion so don’t forget to laugh while falling down the rabbit hole.

We aren’t in the other person’s shoes. And as much as you don’t want to hear this. Returned love from our partner has very little to do with us and everything to do with their perception of us. Your other half loves their idea of you and how you make them feel. Not based on what you do or who you are. Based on who they THINK you are. So love anyway. Not because you want them to love you back because it eases your own spirit and opens your heart.

4) Unconditional love exists. Just not in the places you are looking.

Unconditional love is in us. Love is who we are. Where we began, where we will return, and in the honoring we do of our own heart in between. In other words, we can never really fall out of love. Choose gratitude for every-thing not some-thing. Want to know where to find the one person you can ask to ALWAYS love you back? Yep, you guessed it. YOU.

What does all this mean? Choose beautiful, sloppy, happy, sad, messy love every chance you get. Why? Because that is what ecstasy is made of. Enjoy.

The post The Four Things Heartbreak Taught Me About Love appeared first on LoveSelf.

What To Do When the One You Love Stops Loving You Back.

The four things heartbreak taught me about love.

I remember finally falling in love. For real this time! I imagined that all my challenging relationships had resulted in leading me to this one true incredible lifetime love.

Or NOT.

I tried so hard that it became this constant reach. Then one day I realized the tighter I began to grasp for the return of my soul mate the more elusive this love became. I believe in love. Totally. Fully. Just not in the way those damn princess movies taught us.

1. Life Isn’t Fair. Choose Love Anyway.

Here is how this works people. Life hurts. It isn’t meant to be easy. Relationships trigger all of our deep-seated crap and we either have to look at it or run. That’s the point. Much like a light shining in a dark room, the dirt and clutter is exposed and so are we. So exhale, be thankful for the experience, and start cleaning out the junk.

2)  You don’t need to plan your life. Just take your next best step.

Have you imagined a big white dress and your “complete me’ waiting for you at the end of a long aisle? Have you planned for that one-day and one kiss that would change your life? Yea? Well stop it! Guess what? That day isn’t going to make you happy. Life doesn’t stop and turn into a romance novel when the veil lifts. Nope. The only veil that truly lifts is when the catering bill comes and life starts.

Clue. We have no idea what the future holds. So jump in with both feet today. Not because you are manipulating for a better tomorrow but because this moment is all you have. Not when it feels safe. Not when it is easy. Right now.

3) It is all an illusion so don’t forget to laugh while falling down the rabbit hole.

We aren’t in the other person’s shoes. And as much as you don’t want to hear this. Returned love from our partner has very little to do with us and everything to do their perception of us. Your other half loves their idea of you and how you make them feel. Not based on what you do or who you are. Based on who they THINK you are. So love anyway. Not because you want them to love you back because it eases your own spirit and opens your heart.

4) Unconditional love exists. Just not in the places you are looking.

Unconditional love is in us. Love is who we are. Where we began, where we will return, and in the honoring we do of our own heart in between. In other words, we can never really fall out of love. Choose gratitude for every-thing not some-thing. Want to know where to find the one person you can ask to ALWAYS love you back? Yep, you guessed it. YOU.

What does all this mean? Choose beautiful, sloppy, happy, sad, messy love every chance you get. Why? Because that is what ecstasy is made of. Enjoy.

The post What To Do When the One You Love Stops Loving You Back appeared first on LoveSelf.

Steps to inspiration in loving ourselves and each other.

No matter your age stay young at heart.

Have you met Harry? He is a 92 year old organic farmer and grass sandwich extraordinaire. What is the secret to his vitality? He works hard, lives with his connections to the earth in tact, and loves with all of his heart. Not because organic is trendy or because he found his guru. Simply because he knows that living from love and tradition are the right thing to do. Not to mention if you ask him about chemical sprays and GMO he will tell you in his sweet snappy way “those things will kill you!”. Wise words from decades of wisdom.

Plant a garden. Learn how to make a grass sandwich and eat one everyday. Love your family. Stand in the sun and touch the dirt. You may just live happily to the best kind of youthful old age.

Surrender to what you can’t control.

Elaina’s son died as a teenager. She describes feeling helpless in the face of such tragedy and was bravely guided by spirit to surrender. Elaina began to know that Dominic’s soul was on a journey. She did everything she knew to heal and love him then she stopped. Stopped at the point where only sadness and desperation would be the outcome. Today Elaina is a stunning international raw food chef and her child is her guardian angel, guiding her highest choices.

We suffer when we attempt to control the uncontrollable. When we choose to fight against the moment of what is. Hug the person you love and allow them their journey. Follow the guidance of your heart and honor your body. Elaina honors her body with raw food and her heart with creativity. How do you honor yourself? What can you surrender to today?

Marry your best friend.

Merle married his dearest buddy. In loving Michele, he didn’t set out to conquer or pursue. Only to assist, support, and adore his kind neighbor with no strings attached. She would call him for anything. Sometimes just to talk. Other times for help around the house or a friend to hang out with. He showed up, smiled, and supported her. As the story goes one day he held her hand and they have never let go.

How do you love unconditionally? What can you do right now for your partner without expectation or return? Today Michele and Merle are non-GMO activists and collaborators in their love for the earth and each other. They follow the call to action of their hearts, not because someone told them to, only because they live from their truth without expectation of return. Michele and Merle support each other and the integrity of our planet. Reach out to them and ask “Why?” They will tell you just for the love of it.

Don’t give up. Know that living your dream requires perseverance.

Have you read Jennifer’s story? After her friend died, she created a non-profit to serve meals and support to those dealing with cancer. We are often told that when we begin our heart journey the world will just open up, and if right, everything will fall into our laps. That isn’t always true. Anything worth having often requires perseverance and tenacity. Jennifer will tell you that she was shocked when she first approached farmers to donate organic food (even just a small amount!) and was told no repeatedly. She stuck with it. Because she knew that she couldn’t quit, the world is now changed one step at a time by her contribution.

What doors do you need to open in your life? Where can you take one more step in the direction of your dreams? Like Jennifer it is time to persevere. You don’t need everyone to say yes to your path. The important parts are that you keep saying yes to yourself even in the face of no.

Normal is overrated.  Go against the grain.

Darrold found himself very sick with unusual symptoms. After multiple doctor appointments and no answers, he realized that gluten was causing his problems. The mainstream response is to go gluten free. While this is a great choice for many with gluten sensitivities, and an absolute requirement for those of us with celiac, he didn’t like the idea of following the usual gluten free diet. A lover and baker of bread, he began researching the science of gluten and learned about the modifications to our modern wheat plant. He took the most unorthodox risk and began experimenting with heirloom wheat. It turns out he can indeed have both his bread and eat it too!

Who is telling you that a goal in your life doesn’t make sense? Are you listening to them or following the beat of your own heart. No one ever changed the world following the usual path. Darrold made his impact by serving the earth and his body well. What can you do today that makes sense only to you?

Know that your worst moments may become your greatest blessings.

Sonia’s story is full of hardship and beauty. She is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, experiences PTSD, and has known the pain of hunger. Rather than live from a place of defeat, she chose to allow her greatest pain to inspire her most brilliant life’s work. Today she grows organic food for the hungry. Her compassion and calling could only have risen from her biggest hardships.

Are you allowing the dark days in life to cover up your light? How can you turn your tragedy into triumph? Only in experiencing powerlessness do we often find our power. In feeling fear we are offered the best opportunity for courage. Start your path to an inspired life by writing down one thing everyday that you learned from the challenges in your life. Next ask yourself how can you open that knowledge to impact other’s lives for the better.

Pay it forward.

LoveSelf was created with one purpose. To pay it forward. We feature those making a positive contribution in food. Everyone highlighted by LoveSelf shares our vision of a world where we love ourselves and each other, eat well, serve the earth with integrity, and follow our dreams. Our inspiring people contribute by following their calling. Send us your inspiring person nominee. They may just get a feature and a hug.

Which brings us to our last inspiring tip.

Take risks.  Have faith. Security comes from living an authentic life.

Our journey is truly about the experiences. When you look back on your days. The question won’t be what did I do, it will be what did I feel.  Love yourself. Inspire yourself and others. The entire world will change.

The post How to Inspire Yourself and Others in Eight Steps appeared first on LoveSelf.