Let me Count the Ways…I love myself

It’s a famous line from a sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Today we are using it not to speak about loving someone else but yourself. Can you count the ways that you love yourself?

The topic of loving oneself rarely comes up. We talk about love in relation to how others make us feel or how we affect them. But what about Numero Uno?

No one wants the spotlight turned on but we are going to do just that. Loving yourself is the most basic form of love that you will encounter. It is actually where things begin for you in your relationships. Essentially, if you can’t learn to experience this emotion within yourself, then it will be hard to translate it with others.

How do you love yourself?

The question now is how do you know that you love yourself? The quickest way would be to ask someone you trust. They can tell you what they see. A person who loves themselves will:

• Have a healthy respect for themselves and others
• Expect the best from themselves and others
• Forgive themselves for mistakes
• Learn to trust themselves
• Accept who they are and encourage others to do the same

The types of relationships that we have say a lot about who we are and how we feel about ourselves. It’s almost like the Law of Attraction. If you are constantly getting involved (romantically or otherwise) with people who disrespect you, think negatively, are abusive or have no ambition, you might want to take a step back and reevaluate your feelings for yourself.

The revelation may come as a shock to you. You have an unhealthy love-hate relationship going on that needs to be addressed. Lots of people have this issue. The difference is that you are now about to find out how to change it and your life.

Here are some pointers to help you get to know who you are again. Think of it as a courtship.

1. Let go of past issues – Many of us see ourselves through lenses that are colored by past incidents or the negative reinforcement of others. “You won’t amount to anything.” “You are ugly.”"You won’t be able to do that.”
2. Replace negative thought patterns with positive statements – To begin seeing yourself fin a more positive light you will need to speak that into your life. Post positive affirmations on your mirror, on the refrigerator and at your desk. Speak them until you believe them and they take over your thoughts.
3. Keep a journal – List the things you like about yourself, your strengths, weaknesses and the things you would like to change. Identify what characteristics and traits you have that make you feel comfortable and own them no matter what anyone else thinks. Also set goals to begin achieving the changes you desire to see happen.
4. Focus on someone else – We are talking about volunteering and bringing joy and kindness in the lives of others. Your feelings of self-worth will increase as you see your kindness reciprocated.

How you feel about you is important for the health of all of your relationships.

In every living thing there is the desire for love.

-          D. H. Lawrence

We at iamgr8ful appreciate you reading & commenting on this article.