Show Me Some Love

If we could only show ourselves love as much as we show others. Self-love is not selfish. Self-love requires awareness and introspection. It means knowing our worth. By setting boundaries and refraining from placing ourselves at the bottom of the list, we gain self-respect, prompting others to treat us accordingly. Eliminating toxic individuals who drain our energy with criticism and judgment. Of course, be vigilant against self-defeating judgments. Have patience and self-compassion. Accept yourself as you are with all your imperfections. Deal with the most challenging people, and soon that relationship will be the most rewarding. Shifting our perspective and learning to change the way we see things will help us deal with tough situations until they bother us no more. Then, we can move forward with clarity, a good mindset, and boosted spirits.
Practice daily affirmations to boost your self-esteem. Don’t seek validation from outside. The more you invest in yourself, the more respect and appreciation you will get from others. Remember that true joy comes from within, and it starts with you.
Scott Peck said: “Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
I enjoy my ‘me’ time when I write and paint. Writing in my journal helps me connect to my inner child and understand ‘her’ better, perhaps giving her attention and freedom she did not get as a child, giving her the chance to grow at her pace, and just letting her feel good and safe.
Learn to navigate your chores so you have more time for yourself, to make room for some favorite activities that give you pleasure. Start each day by setting intentions. Do you need to change to healthier eating habits and sleep more? Go for a walk, observe nature, learn from the trees, see how they shed their leaves and let go of thoughts and emotions that block your growth. Be good to yourself. You’re worth it.
Start fresh, learn a new skill, pick up a new hobby, meet new people, go on a date with your loved ones or a good friend, or with yourself. Listen to music and dance!
Trust that you have everything you need inside you and that you lack nothing. Only when you feel filled with the abundance of contentment and self-love will you have enough to give to others.
Naomi Young is a teacher in Santa Clarita who brings over four decades of experience in Jewish studies and bar/ bat mitzvah training. She is a seasoned writer and multimedia artist. Connect with her via email at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com or explore her creative endeavors on her website www.naomiyoung.com