Every morning after I step out of the shower, the mirror in
my bathroom is steamed up and foggy. But to me, it is not just condensation, it
is a canvas for one of the most powerful rituals of my life.
For over a decade now, I have been writing three simple
words on that steamed-up glass:
“Aphroditi,
I love you unconditionally.”
And I draw a heart. Always. Then I look myself in the eyes
and say it aloud. This might sound small, but this daily act has completely
transformed my relationship with myself.
How It All Started
I began this ritual during one of my classic staycations at
the Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver, my favorite little escape when I need to
recharge. I remember it so clearly. I had just come out of the shower, the
mirror was fogged up, and for the first time in a long time, I looked at myself
and thought, “You need love from you.”
So, I wrote the words: “Aphroditi, I love you
unconditionally.”
It felt a little awkward at first. But something in me
softened. I drew a heart next to it, took a breath, and said it aloud. It was
like hearing the words I had been longing for but coming from me. That moment
sparked a daily ritual since which I have never skipped.
Why I Do It
This mirror ritual is more than just a feel-good moment, it
is a sacred practice that helps me ground myself, especially on the tough days.
And trust me, I have had many. But no matter what is happening in my
life, whether I am prepping for a stand-up show, hosting an episode of Wellness
Fridays With Aphroditi, or just figuring out if I can afford to Uber or
need to take the bus again, I show up for this practice.
Here is what it has given me:
- Self-Connection:
Looking myself in the eyes and saying those words brings me back to who I
am, just me,
reminding myself that I am enough.
- Energy
Shift: When I speak love to myself first thing in the morning, it
changes the way I walk through the world. I feel more radiant, more
centered, more alive.
- Inner
Strength: On the days when I feel like I am failing, or like I am not
“there” yet, this ritual reminds me I am worthy no matter what.
How You Can Try It
If you are reading this and thinking, “Okay Aphroditi,
but I don’t even like looking in the mirror most days,” I hear you. I
started this ritual when I did not feel beautiful or lovable either. That is
the point. It is not about being perfect. It is about choosing to love yourself
even when you do not feel like you deserve it.
Here is how I do it:
- After
your shower, when the mirror is fogged up, write the words “I love you
unconditionally” with your finger.
- Draw
a heart. (Yes, even if you feel silly, especially then!)
- Say
it aloud. Look yourself in the eyes and speak with kindness. Let it land.
- Repeat
daily. Even on the messy days. Especially on the messy days.
This Is My Love Story
This mirror ritual is a daily reminder that the longest,
most important relationship I will ever have is the one with myself. It is a
love story that started the moment I chose to speak kindly to the woman in the
mirror.
So, if you have been waiting for someone to tell you that
you are worthy, let me be the first but also, let it be you. Write it. Say it.
Feel it. And let that love guide everything else.
AFFIRMATION
I See Myself Through Eyes Of Love. I
Am Grateful For The Person Staring Back At Me: Evolving, Radiant, And Whole.
With Love And Gratitude,
Aphroditi
