10 ways to start loving yourself the way you deserve to be loved

Get in touch with yourself. You can do this by spending some time with yourself away from all the distractions. Explore your thoughts, get to know yourself- your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.

Do not let all that you have, go to waste. Learn to channelize your energies on your strengths and the positive aspects of your being.

Accept yourself fully. We all live in a world of imperfections and it is absolutely 'OK' to have flaws. Learn to embrace all the faults you perceive to have, completely with immense love and kindness for yourself. Do not waste time trying to please people who are impossible to please. Loving yourself means embracing your authentic self.

Learn from your mistakes and move on. There is always a better tomorrow. Forgive yourself for all your wrongdoings and imperfections. Have a fresh start every-time you feel you messed up. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela

Take responsibility and accountability for yourself and all your actions. You can never truly love yourself if you lie, make excuses or minimize yourself. Be absolutely honest with yourself, as this is the essence of true self-love.

Be thankful and practice gratitude. Be thankful for all the strengths and positive qualities you have. You can do this by listing 3 good things about yourself every morning.

Pay attention to your well being both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Eat well, and exercise regularly. Get involved in hobbies you enjoy, spend quality bonding time with family and friends, volunteer for a good cause, get involved in the local community, and find ways to relax like yoga, meditation or anything else you choose.

Build closer relationships with people who treat you with kindness and respect. In this process you might have to end relationships with abusive or unkind people. People who feel worthy, surround themselves with positive people.

Learn to stand up for yourself. Draw boundaries, and learn to be assertive. This way you show others that your opinions and needs matter. Loving yourself is when you know your value, and can communicate it to others. Do not indulge in comparing and competing with others. You are your unique self, incomparable.

Live in the moment. You can enjoy life only when you can live in the moment, not the past, nor the future. What we are, and are doing in the present moment is real, rest is all an illusion. Learn the technique of being in the moment to truly love yourself.