Worthy of Self-Love

Why is it sometimes easier to show care and compassion to others than it is for ourselves? Are you a people pleaser, avoiding arguments and tough conversations? Are you doing everything just to look good in the eyes of others? If so, you’re probably hurting yourself in the process, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Ignoring our needs demonstrates a lack of respect, love and compassion for ourselves. When we aren’t tuned to our feelings, we forget to live an authentic life, thus building resentment toward others, feeling stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Putting ourselves first begins with setting boundaries. It empowers us as we recognize that we don’t need to drop everything from our own lives to do things for someone else. Learning to decline politely from time to time will garner more respect from others. Lending a helping hand is always a good thing, if it doesn’t harm us in the process. It requires cooperation, consideration, and flexibility on all sides. When we are connected to who we are, we have a clear idea of our self-worth, goals and needs. With that in mind, even when we do something nice for others, we make sure that we do it because we want to and not because we feel pressured to.
Seeing ourselves as top priority is the key. Self-love is not selfish. It’s about remembering that we’re at our best when we take care of ourselves first. We do this by getting rid of our inner critic and forgiving ourselves for mistakes or failures so we can move on. Showing self-love is accepting who we are, completely and without judgement. It’s giving ourselves the same compassion we would show others.
We strive to feel loved and at peace by being grateful for the good that is personally surrounding us. Don’t take for granted happy events and kind people in your life. Be sure to thank them with a text or a handwritten note of appreciation. When you look for positivity and harmony, you’ll find it everywhere. Be sure to find the time to do something nice for yourself and you’ll find that it takes as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day. Start a fun hobby, take relaxing walks, eat healthy, sleep better, watch an amazing sunset with a loved one, or make a daily routine of whatever makes you feel the happiest. You’ll find out that the more you savor life and celebrate it, the more life there will be to celebrate.
Buddha said: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserves your love and affection.” Only when your spiritual batteries are fully charged can you help and empower others. Be good to yourself. You’re worth it!
Naomi Young is an educator of Jewish studies and a Bar/ Bat mitzvah tutor in Santa Clarita for 40 years. She is also a published writer and an artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com Visit her art website at www.naomiyoung.com