Write a Love Letter
I want to share with you a transformative practice that might seem unconventional at first glance, but I assure you, it holds the power to revolutionize how you perceive yourself and your journey. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dig in.
I stumbled onto a podcast episode featuring Rich Litvin, co-author of the "Prosperous Coach," and Jason Marc Cambell, host of the "Selling with Love" podcast. Rich highlighted that the first sale that truly matters is the one you make to yourself. You must absolutely 100% believe in what you are selling and love it. Sure, it makes complete sense. He even went so far as to suggest we write a love letter to that product/service we're selling to imprint our belief in it.
What if we borrow that idea and write a love to ourselves?
Picture this: crafting a love letter to yourself, one where you unabashedly celebrate your remarkable qualities, your unique journey, and your boundless potential. At first, you might raise an eyebrow, wondering, "Do I really need to write a love letter to myself?" I get it; it might feel a tad uncomfortable, perhaps even a bit self-indulgent. But trust me; this practice can be truly transformative.
As a coach fortunate enough to work with an extraordinarily select group of high-achieving women, I've witnessed firsthand how even the most remarkable individuals struggle to recognize their greatness. These remarkable women, who have conquered challenges, shattered barriers, and overcome fears, often forget their own brilliance when striving for their next big achievement.
In my #IamRemarkable workshops, I've guided countless participants through an exercise that challenges them to jot down three things that make them remarkable. While it might sound simple, this task often leads to introspection, hesitation, and even a sense of discomfort. It's not that the participants lack remarkable qualities - quite the opposite. The challenge lies in acknowledging and vocalizing their achievements.
But here's the magic: a transformation takes place each time these incredible women step up and share their remarkable qualities aloud. A shift from uncertainty to self-assuredness, from doubt to belief. Witnessing this transformation, I felt compelled to extend the invitation to you.
So, here's my challenge: write a love letter to yourself.
Embrace this opportunity to celebrate your journey unabashedly, your achievements, and the qualities that make you extraordinary. Pour your heart into words, expressing gratitude for your resilience, growth, and unwavering potential. And then, my dear friends, take it a step further. Read your love letter aloud, first to yourself and then, if you dare, to someone in your network.
Imagine the feeling of liberation as you openly and candidly discuss your accomplishments. Revel in the victories that have graced your path, the challenges you've bravely tackled, and the moments of creativity you've nurtured. This letter is a testament to your uniqueness, strength, and capacity for endless growth.
Since I need to walk the talk, here's a glimpse into a small excerpt from my love letter to myself. I'm not going to lie. I stared at a blank page for a LONG time.
Dear Katherine,
You deserve all the love, happiness, and success that life has to offer. Your unwavering strength and resilience, particularly in the past year, have led you to conquer new challenges that align with your passions and strengths and bring a newfound energy and excitement. You have juggled all your many roles (wife, mom, friend, sister, leader) with dedication and an open heart. Your willingness to learn from mistakes and embrace curiosity fuels your personal growth journey. You are unapologetically paying attention to what you need rather than what others expect from you. You are focusing on your physical energy through daily movement and prioritizing sleep, emotional energy by regularly spending quality time with friends and family, mental energy by setting work boundaries, and spiritual energy by frequently spending time in nature and daily meditation.
Let your love letter be a testament to your greatness, potential, and remarkable journey. Embrace the discomfort, relish the joy, and take pride in the incredible person you are!