Someone asked me the other day, “How can you develop a thick-skin at work?” My initial response, “Develop a strong heart.”

Growing up, I was often teased because of my over-bite. Called many names at school, I came home frequently collapsing into a pile of tears. My mother would tell me to ignore the bully’s hurtful comments and eventually they would stop. I did experience some truth in this, but what was even more impactful, were her words, “Maria, you are beautiful, they just don’t see it.” Of course, she was referring to my inner beauty. I knew my outer beauty would catch up once I got braces!

Why is it that as adults we still feel the need to toughen up and not let other people’s words hurt us? Could it be that we forgot our inner beauty?

If so, do not worry. Reclaiming our inner beauty and strengthening our heart is easy to do. Developing a strong heart begins with self-love. Practice these ten steps and in no time, you will not need a thick skin because you will have a strong heart:

1. List your strengths. Next to each one, identify how you may leverage your strong points.

2. Create an action plan for personal and professional growth.

3. Reconnect with your intuition.

4. Do something creative every day.

5. Spend time in stillness each day.

6. Get enough sleep. Six to eight hours are recommended for optimum health.

7. Move your body every day. Some days it may only be walking to the mailbox.

8. Eat foods that nourish your body in healthy ways.

9. List at least five things each day for which you are grateful.

10. Find ways to help others see their greatness.

What are some additional ways you strengthen your heart?

With love,

Maria