As we come to the start of a new semester, while still entering the beginning of a brand new year, I encourage you to spend one week immersing in self-love. I would like to propose a challenge in which you complete five simple tasks, designed to better connect you with your inner self.

These tasks include:

1. Trusting Your Gut:

When I have a big decision to make, I tend to solicit the opinions of trusted friends and family.

For example, I take five amazing selfies, send the top three over to my best friends and have them collectively choose which photo is “Insta” worthy.

Whether it be as simple as an Instagram post, or as grand as choosing a new major, I challenge you to make all your own decisions this week.

The truth is, we all know what is best for ourselves and what will truly bring us happiness. We have all been blessed with the gift of intuition. Don’t let the opinions or advice of outside sources control your life. Trust your gut and see what follows.

2. Be okay being alone:

Quick fun fact, I love to roller-skate. This, however, is not a fact for most of the people in my life.

Instead of depriving myself of something I enjoy, I am not afraid to head out to a roller rink on my own. I challenge you to go on a solo adventure doing something you love.

This could be anything from seeing a movie no one in your circle cares to see, or joining a club none of your friends are interested in. Having people you are comfortable around is amazing, but you have to be comfortable with just you.

3. Be kind to yourself:

Society has normalized a negative self-image. It is more socially acceptable to degrade yourself and praise other people than to praise yourself.

Look in the mirror and verbalize something you love about yourself each day. This could be physical, like your eyes or smile. Or could be something deeper, like your intelligence, your charisma, your ability to make others laugh or feel comfortable.

I challenge you to re-train your brain to see the best in you.

4. Cater to you:

Nothing says self-love like self-care. I challenge you to pamper yourself this week.

Treat yourself to get your nails done, buy that new video game system you have been wanting, or simply take a two hour nap. If you do not think you deserved to be spoiled no one else will.

5. Acknowledge your accomplishments: 

Take the time to be proud. All it takes is one moment to reflect on all that you have accomplished in the past year.

Whether they are small accomplishments or rather big strides, take a second and be proud of all that you have done. This will help give you a positive outlook on the following year to come and perhaps give you a bit more confidence in tackling a whole new year.