Empower Your Journey

A program for scholars juggling research, careers, and family life

Discover balance and personal transformation for the life you truly deserve.

Empower Your Journey

A program for scholars juggling research, careers, and family life

Discover balance and personal transformation for the life you truly deserve.

Dissertation Harmony

Overcome the struggle of balancing academic writing with other facets of life. Gain tools to manage and harmonize your commitments, optimizing productivity without overwhelming yourself.

Reinvent Identity

Engage in a journey of self-discovery, redefining your identity beyond academic accomplishments. Uncover a broader understanding of self, fostering growth and increased confidence.

Lifestyle Redemption

Embrace a redesigned lifestyle focused on well-being, happiness, and fulfilling relationships. Implement strategies to build social connections and fullness, creating a life rooted in balance and direction.

About Me

Ruth H. Kim, Ph.D. offers transformative coaching for Ph.D. candidates, with a special focus on women of color. Having navigated raising a young child on her own while pursuing her Ph.D., Ruth understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women of color in academia. Her personal experience fuels her passion for empowering Ph.D. candidates, especially those trying to balance academic and career pursuits with family.

During her doctoral studies, Ruth organized writing communities, retreats, and professional development events for women of color and BIPOC graduate students in collaboration with her graduate dean’s office. These experiences honed her skills in fostering community and support among diverse academic groups.

Ruth's background equips her to partner with Ph.D. women and BIPOC candidates. She co-creates solutions that emphasize purpose, well-being, social connection, and self-love. Her coaching is a catalyst for personal and professional growth, enabling her clients to thrive in their distinct journeys.

About Me

Ruth H. Kim, Ph.D. offers transformative coaching for Ph.D. candidates, with a special focus on women of color. Having navigated raising a young child on her own while pursuing her Ph.D., Ruth understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women of color in academia. Her personal experience fuels her passion for empowering Ph.D. candidates, especially those trying to balance academic and career pursuits with family.

During her doctoral studies, Ruth organized writing communities, retreats, and professional development events for women of color and BIPOC graduate students in collaboration with her graduate dean’s office. These experiences honed her skills in fostering community and support among diverse academic groups.

Ruth's background equips her to partner with Ph.D. women and BIPOC candidates. She co-creates solutions that emphasize purpose, well-being, social connection, and self-love. Her coaching is a catalyst for personal and professional growth, enabling her clients to thrive in their distinct journeys.

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Testimonials

Having the opportunity to work with Ruth and experience life shifting empowerment, her skillset expands far beyond the traditional scope of coaching. She has years of diverse professional experience that together with her compassionate, understanding and flexible nature makes her a truly effective coach. She facilitates change by supporting clients in being accountable for developing realistic coaching plans and supportive practices that foster fulfillment. Ruth has dedicated herself to continuously expanding her knowledge and coaching skills and has a wealth of resources at her fingertips. A forever grateful and empowered client.

– PS

My experience being coached by Ruth was nothing less than amazing. Ruth's listening and questions created a safe, supportive and expansive space for me to explore and reflect, which helped me get clarity and results that exceeded what I was expecting. She helped me become more mindful and effective in multiple areas and relationships in my life, especially work and family. I feel empowered and believe anything is possible through this experience. Coaching is well worth the investment and Ruth is hands down the best coach I can recommend.

– VH

Blog

Embracing Self-Love: Essential Principles For A Happier Life

Embracing Self-Love: Essential Principles For A Happier Life

June 24, 20246 min read

A life filled with happiness also needs a healthy dose of self-love. And that begins with understanding some key concepts like self-kindness, setting boundaries, and always working on yourself.

These principles are like your personal GPS, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and a calmer, more content mind. 

In this blog we will delve into the nuances of self-love, you open doors to a world of possibilities that can truly enhance your well-being and overall happiness.

The Foundation Of Happiness

Your relationship with yourself is a key part of your overall happiness, and that's why self-love is so important.

Loving yourself is the foundation of your emotional and mental health. It's about recognizing your value and celebrating your strengths, while also being kind to your weaknesses. When you do this, you'll face life's challenges with resilience and self-assurance. 

Self-love gives you the power to set boundaries and put your well-being first without feeling bad about it. Taking care of yourself is necessary, not selfish!  When you love yourself, you become more aware of your feelings, thoughts, and desires. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

This mindset also improves your relationships. You can give real love to others and foster connections based on mutual respect and understanding when you love yourself. 

Self-love is a vital step toward a life that's fulfilling and joyful. It underpins your happiness and sets the stage for a rich, meaningful existence. 

Common Myths About Self-Love

There are some common misconceptions about self-love that can impact your path to happiness and mental health. A popular myth claims self-love is selfish, but it's actually about balancing self-care with caring for others.

Another false notion is that self-love leads to arrogance, while in fact, it involves embracing your flaws and valuing yourself without comparing yourself to others.

Some might see self-love as an indulgence, but it's a vital part of holistic well-being. Additionally, self-love is often perceived as effortless, when in reality, it's a journey that varies for everyone and requires dedication and self-reflection.

Principles For A Happier Life

When aiming for a happier life, remember to prioritize self-compassion, setting boundaries that serve you well, pursuing personal growth, and surrounding yourself with positivity.

These principles can guide you towards a more fulfilling and content existence, fostering a sense of inner peace and well-being.

1. Practice Self-Compassion:

A key aspect of embracing a happier life is self-compassion. This involves treating yourself as you would a good friend, with empathy and understanding, especially during tough times. Self-compassion means accepting your flaws and challenges without being critical or judgmental.

By recognizing your humanity and embracing mistakes as part of life, you can develop a sense of warmth and acceptance toward yourself. 

This approach helps you recover from setbacks more effectively, as you approach them with empathy and motivational thoughts. This mindset can enhance your resilience and overall life perspective.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries:

Setting boundaries is a crucial element in your journey towards a fulfilling life. To establish these boundaries effectively, you first need to understand your own limits and what constitutes acceptable behavior. This self-reflection is a vital first step, helping you recognize the behaviors that make you feel valued and those that don't.

Once you're clear on your limits, it's time to communicate with them. Be open and assertive with others about what you will and won't accept. This isn't about being confrontational; it's about respectfully making your boundaries known.

Setting boundaries is a sign of mutual respect for yourself and others. When you draw these lines, you're being protective and caring toward yourself. They safeguard you from being mistreated or taken advantage of, creating a buffer zone for your emotional well-being.

Boundaries create a safe and empowering space. You'll feel more confident within your relationships and secure in your environment. This sense of security radiates into all aspects of your life, boosting your overall well-being.

Seeing your worth and establishing healthy boundaries is a fundamental act of self-love and self-care. It's a necessary step on the path to a happier and more fulfilling existence. Embrace this powerful tool for your mental health and overall happiness!

3. Pursue Personal Growth:

The first step is recognizing the desire for growth and change. It's about expanding your horizons and discovering new passions, and the potential within you.

Set specific, challenging goals that nudge you out of your comfort zone. It could be learning to paint, picking up a new sport, or improving your public speaking skills. Each step counts!

This is a lifelong pursuit, so stay open to feedback and change. Embrace the new and different, and surround yourself with supportive companions who cheer your growth.

Keep that curiosity burning, seek knowledge, and continue evolving. It's an ongoing process of self-discovery and improvement.

When you invest in personal growth, you're investing in your happiness and fulfillment. It's a rewarding path toward becoming the best version of yourself.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity:

The people you spend time with and your environment have a profound impact on your mood and outlook, so choosing positivity is crucial. Here's the last piece of the puzzle:

Surround yourself with a circle of uplifting, like-minded people who support and inspire you. Their positive energy can be contagious, lifting your spirits and influencing your perspective on life. 

Create a homely atmosphere that exudes good vibes. Use colorful decorations, inspirational quotes, or mementos of happy memories to brighten your mood. An organized, clutter-free space also adds to your sense of calm. 

Make time for activities that nourish your soul. Whether it's connecting with nature, engaging in hobbies, helping others, or simply expressing gratitude, these positive actions have a cumulative effect on your well-being. 

When you immerse yourself in this positive bubble, you'll notice a significant shift towards a happier and more fulfilling life. It's a rewarding choice that will benefit you greatly.

Conclusion

Self-love is a powerful tool for a happier, more fulfilling life, and here's the recap:

Love yourself, because you deserve it! It's about recognizing your value and embracing your flaws. Show yourself some compassion and set those healthy boundaries. 

Pursue personal growth and keep company with positive, uplifting people. It's a recipe for a happier, more satisfying life.  Your mental well-being and overall joy are influenced by these choices. So, go ahead and embrace that wonderful sense of self-love!

FAQs

1. How Can Self-Love Impact Relationships With Others?

When you prioritize self-love, you bring a healthier mindset into your relationships. By valuing and caring for yourself, you set a standard for how others should treat you. This can lead to more fulfilling and respectful interactions.

2. Is Self-Love a Form of Selfishness?

Self-love is not selfishness. It's about valuing yourself, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your well-being. By loving yourself, you can show up as your best self in relationships and contribute positively to others' lives.

3. Can Self-Love Really Improve Mental Health?

Yes, self-love can truly enhance mental health. By prioritizing your well-being, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care, you build resilience, confidence, and a positive mindset. Embracing self-love fosters inner peace and happiness.

Back to Blog

The Extra Mile: How to unlock your highest potential

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mind and body

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Unlock the secret to better digestive health with 'Gut Feeling.' Discover how to nourish your gut and improve your overall well-being. ... more

mind and body

08 April 2024 • 7 min read

Transform Your Future

A program for ambitious academics navigating multiple life roles.

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