So often I’ve written about taking care of yourself. I’ve given numerous analogies and metaphors.
- You can’t run on an empty tank.
- How can give you give when the well is dry?
- What help do you offer if your cup is empty?
Today it’s extremely simple. The message has been coming to me in more ways than one. It’s been screaming at me loud and clear.
It’s all about love.
Giving, helping, taking care of, teaching and advocating for: these are all forms of love. They are compassion, kindness, and care. Which each boils down to heart-felt love.
I do a morning routine on an almost daily basis.
After I am done with my mindful meditation, I go to my mirror. It feels weird, yes. In my hand are my lists. My intentional affirmations and my gratitudes. I look at myself, put a smile on my face, and recite the words aloud.
Again, I do this almost every day. And every day it still feels weird?
Why?
The reason I come up with is we are used to helping another. It feels more ‘normal’ to look someone else in the eyes. It is common for us to talk to another person, telling them how we feel about them. We are capable of expressing love and emotions outside of ourselves.
- When was the last time you told yourself you loved you?
- When was the last time you looked in your own eyes?
- When was the last time you smiled at your face in the mirror?
Taking care of others, helping someone out, or being ‘there’ for a loved one- it’s all pretty futile if you don’t do one thing first.
Love yourself.
This may very well be the hardest thing for any of us to do. We start on with thoughts or feelings of unworthiness. ‘I’m not good enough. Not smart enough. Don’t know enough.’
It’s time to let that go.
When you can fill yourself up and surround your being with love, all is well.
It’s new and challenging still for me. And I’ve been at this for awhile. So don’t get downhearted or beat yourself up for this taking some time. Be gentle. Be easy on yourself. Day by day, moment by moment, you get a new change at love.
When you can love yourself, both conditionally and unconditionally, you can do anything.
You can take the best care; offer the greatest help; be the best nurse.
It’s time to love yourself. Can you do it?
I’d love to hear from you. Share a comment or question below. If you enjoyed this post, by all means share it. You can use the social share buttons below. Thank you for reading. Enjoy your health today!
This reminds me of the old SNL sketch by Mike Meyers doing “Stuart Smalley’s Daily Affirmations”. At the end he looks in the mirror and says to himself, “I’m good enough. I’m smart enough and doggone it, people like me!” If was funny on tv but in real life, it’s not easy to do. I tried what you suggested and I felt like I was bragging. It’s not something that most of us are used to doing. It really does take practice! I’m going to try it, though, love handles and all 😀