Whether it’s going out with friends this weekend or going on a trip next month, mentally marking the time ahead gives you a sense of motivation and hope. Remember that time you did that cool thing and felt great? Do you realize how great you still feel when you think about it now? Remind yourself of your past accomplishments more often. While self-esteem shows up positively in other areas of our lives, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive self-esteem all the time. Whether you’re dealing with a stressful week at work or giddy spells, positive self-talk, in its simplest form, is very effective. We are our own harshest critics. So thinking about the compliment we’ve received, or seeing ourselves through the eyes of someone close to us, can give us a lofty perspective. In times when it’s not easy to praise ourselves, think about how the people in our lives see us. Especially after a year of turmoil, insecurity and isolation, everyone deserves to feel loved, and there can be no better way to know this than to turn inward. Reflecting on what motivates and refreshes us – art, nature, family time, spirituality, etc. – is the best way to do this. – Reminding ourselves of outside forces that give us courage when it seems too difficult to do something on our own. Focusing on the moments when we have shown courage makes us proud, and of course we all have something to be proud of. It’s important to recognize even the smallest victories in self-care, but it’s also important to give yourself more praise than a pat on the back. In positive psychology, “flow” is the state where you are completely absorbed in an activity such as drawing, running, or any other interest that comes naturally. Self-love is not only important, it is essential for developing self-confidence, resilience, independence, and even for strengthening relationships with others. To get you started, we’ve put together twelve daily affirmations to boost your ego and show yourself some love. However, you have many strengths, and it’s important to celebrate them. And remember, the most important thing is what’s inside you. We can find beauty in the little things: the way the clouds break in the sky, the kindness of a waiter, or the curiosity of our children.