So tell me – When you reread the title above does it sound like a declaration as in “I love you”?
Or
Does it sound like a closing comment from a conversation or written correspondence ?
Or
Does it sound like (what I hope is an action I can inspire you to explore)
– a call to more fully love yourself?
Do I really need to make a case for this approach? Well probably not but I’m on a tangent so why stop now?
I think you are precious. I think there are people who look to you and count on you to brighten their day or at the very least contribute your energy in ways helpful to them. I think you have worth over and above your own acknowledgment.
There are few times of the year we think of the word Love more than we do in February. Valentines Day is dedicated to the theme of Love, albeit often more of the romantic sense.
Can I tell you that while I think romance is certainly an enjoyable pursuit I believe we so very much short change ourselves when that becomes our sole focus regarding Love.
If I could hand out Valentine’s Day hearts and heart healthy dark chocolates to everyone on that day I would surely do it yet I would do it beyond that day to all days.
And why shouldn’t I? And why shouldn’t you embrace the kind of love for yourself that you don’t need anyone else’s words to validate ?
It is never enough to simply have someone say they love you.
It can’t be enough until YOU can very simply and beautifully say “ I love me.”
How much of a stretch is that for you to say now, at this very moment? I truly hope it’s not too much of a stretch.
If it is I want to encourage you to stretch yourself until you can do that very thing I’m talking about…love YOU!
Love this life you have been given.
Use that next breath (and the next and the next ….) that you’re able to take in to keep on living in a way that has you pouring more Love into your life.
Never feel you have to wait for another to pour into you the time, attention, care, gifts, acknowledgement, nourishment, value or whatever affirming actions your soul desires. Love YOU like you need to be loved most truly.
Love YOU not for your outsides ( though YES! do love that magnificent body that so excellently houses your spirit) but love your spirit more because it is the truer reflection of who you are. Consider your humor, your kindness, your compassion, your willingness to grow… oh I could go on listing qualities but instead don’t you really need to do that for yourself. Until YOU embrace YOU any words I put before you will slide off. I want to encourage you to soak and bask in your own acceptance of YOU. What wonderful qualities are you presently acknowledging as uniquely yours? Can we start with a smile ? A smile you give yourself while standing in front on your mirror? Can you congratulate yourself on making it umpteen years or decades through this journey we call Life? How many high fives or fist pumps can you give yourself for weathering storms/challenges/ heartbreaks/disappointments and stand there still with resilience running through you like an anchoring cord. How many attributes could you list of all the ways You love YOU? Try it ! Do I need to dare you?? LOL!! No, I only need to remind you that YOU are worth it regardless of the date on the calendar, regardless of the number on the bathroom scales, regardless the words (or lack of words) from another. Love You. Aside from God I don’t know who can do this better.
PS- See my Note to Self because I do need to practice what I preach.
NOTE TO SELF – Do My Homework!
(know that you Dear Reader are welcome to join me in doing any of the below)
- Schedule a yearly wellness health screening with my doctor.
- Use a dry erase pen to draw a big red heart on my mirror. Write all the qualities I love best about myself inside that heart.
- Choose 7 of my favorite things to do/have/experience and take action to complete at least 1 a day for a full week.
PSS- Hey Dear Reader, what other homework ideas can you come up with that speak to you specifically? Share them with me please.