Do an experiment: next time you walk pass a mirror, stop and look yourself directly in the eyes. Don’t focus on your face, hair or outfit. Just look yourself in the eyes. And then, tell yourself out loud that you are beautiful, amazing and very smart. Do it in the same way you would tell a good friend that he/she is beautiful, amazing and very smart.
How easy was that?
When you deal with another person you make eye contact as a sign of acknowledgement. People that have mastered the art of making appropriate eye contact find that it easier to build rapport with the other person.
When someone looks you in the eyes it brings a special meaning to their words. For example: imagine your loved one is gazing into your eyes and telling you that he/she loves you. Now compare that with them focusing on the tv and then telling you that he/she loves you. Two very different experiences. Making eye contact is a means of telling someone that you really mean what you are about to say. You acknowledge their existence.
A key ingredient for happiness is to see yourself as your own best friend.
So often we speak to ourselves like we would speak to an enemy, someone we hate and despise. We might not be doing it out loud, but we do it with our thoughts and the way we neglect our own well-being. Now is the time to become aware of what you are thinking about yourself and to change your self-talk.
My challenge to you is: every morning, look yourself in the eye and tell yourself that you unconditionally love yourself. Over time you will notice that others also care more for you as love for yourself cultivate love for and from others.
To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness. Robert Morely