My Self-Love Manifesto for University

My first year of university took a lot from me. But it gave me a lot too. Particularly towards the end of the year, I found myself needing to defend the parts that made me, well, me. I'd lost sync with 'the  old Steph', pre-2018, which wouldn't have been a problem had I liked this new version of me better.

I was snappy and I wouldn't show my pearly whites as much as I had in the past. I wasn't listening to others to understand but only to respond. I was over-thinking things unnecessarily which seems menial but that can really take its toll. For a hot second, I lost touch with myself. 

Now, I've had a summer to rebuild and there are some things I did in first-year that I'd like to leave in first-year. I could have done some things better but as Oprah says: "When you know better you do better". 

With that pre-amble, these are the things I'd like to manifest in my second-year:

• Watch more sunsets and sunrises
• Don't text. Call
• Gor for jogs and long swims
• Read more
• Paint your nails often
• Always leave the house dressed to impress 
• Pray. And often
• Write and write often
• Listen to your favourite music
• Try avoid mindless scrolling online
• Listen when people talk. Really listen
• Meet your friends for walks and coffees
• Forgive yourself
• Don't over think
• Be more honest with people about how you feel
• Avoid checking your phone to see if people have messaged you
• Keep your business to yourself
• Make your bed everyday
• Don't compromise on your sleep 
• Drink water and lots of it
• Put sunblock on everyday
• Always smell good
• Be kind
• Volunteer your time
• Defend the things that make you who you are
• Flirt more
• Wear lipstick...and attack
• Say "thank you" more often
• Say "no" without explaining yourself

What would you add to your personal 'self-love' manifesto?

Till next time-

Steph