Self love it so important. It truly is one of the most radical beliefs you can hold because it’s so rare.
Self love is life changing.
I can’t claim to be in a constant state of self love because – who is? But I do strive to focus on self love and self appreciation each day – as often as I can!
So, what is self love? I feel it’s the knowing and appreciation of who you truly are. You are worthy, simply by being, breathing and living this life. You can appreciate all the small, wonderful things that make up you and your body and your spirit on this earth. It’s not easy and I have to remind myself often that I don’t have to earn love and a sense of worthiness. I can simply be and accept this fact.
If you are someone that grew up with a “mother wound” then you can have the tendency to work harder than others, trying to prove your worth and ability to be loved. I can say that I honestly grew up feeling like my mother didn’t like me. It’s a heartbreaking feeling to think that your own mother doesn’t like you and is always annoyed or inconvenienced by your presence. This wasn’t the truth, but as a child and well into my adulthood – this is how I felt. So, it seemed like truth to me.
So, what did I do? I set out proving to everyone, but particularly my Mom (who wasn’t necessarily watching or concerned with this) that I was worthy of love. I got straight A’s. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Led clubs and community groups. Got great jobs and always tried to advance and excel in my career. The funny thing about your ego pushing you to prove yourself is that – it works! haha
You really can show everyone. But, in the end, if you don’t believe in your inherent worthiness and if you don’t actually like the person who you are or the work you are doing – then it’s a fleeting feeling. Real self love is practiced and experienced in the times when you don’t get the promotion. When you aren’t the “favorite” friend. When you feel alone or sad or disappointed. These are your opportunities to remind yourself of how amazing you are! How wonderful you are and how you don’t need validation from others to prove this in your mind and in your life.
So, my challenge to you is LOVE YOURSELF IN THE MOST RADICAL WAY POSSIBLE. LOVE ALL OF YOU. And see where it takes you. I think you will like the journey of self love and please remember, this is a practice, not a destination.