Hey there, it's LeeAnne Hayden, your host from the Beautiful Bag podcast. I wanted to share something really close to my heart with you today. Recently, I came across a comment on YouTube that truly touched me. It was from someone struggling with self-esteem after undergoing surgery and living with a stoma. Their words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of self-love, especially in the face of challenges.

Let's start with the power of making a decision. I know it's not easy, but deciding to love yourself unconditionally, regardless of what society says, is the first step towards true empowerment. I've been there, waking up post-surgery, staring at myself in the mirror, feeling anything but beautiful. But I made a choice to love myself, and it's made all the difference.

One thing that's helped me immensely is setting small, achievable goals. Whether it's going for a short walk or practicing positive self-talk, every little step counts. And speaking of self-talk, let's not underestimate the power of affirmations. Trust me, I've had my moments of doubt, but repeating affirmations like "I am beautiful" and "I am worthy" has helped shift my mindset in incredible ways.

But it's not just about what we say to ourselves, it's also about who we surround ourselves with. That's why I've created a community on Telegram where we can support each other on this journey towards self-love. If you're interested, I'd love for you to join us.

And lastly, I want to invite you to listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch it on YouTube. I promise you'll find some nuggets of wisdom and encouragement to help you along your own journey of self-discovery. Remember, you are loved, you are worthy, and you are beautiful, just as you are.

Sending you all the love and positivity, LeeAnne

Listen to the episode on:

• Apple Podcasts: Listen HERE

• Spotify: Listen HERE

• YouTube: Watch HERE