This morning at my 6 am yoga class my instructor told our class something I have been thinking about for awhile, but have been unable to fully realize. She told us we should feel proud of ourselves, because we love ourselves enough to wake up (at an ungodly hour) and exercise our minds, bodies and spirits.
She made me think about all of the other things I do that demonstrates my love for myself. Most of them are small things, like smiling at myself in the rear view mirror and painting my nails, but there are bigger and more important things too.
Reading literature I enjoy. Not because it is popular or will show others that I am intelligent, but reading purely for my personal joy of reading. Also, taking care of my body by eating well. I am not a health nut by any means, but I try not to over-eat or under-eat and I also try to keep a balanced diet while still rewarding myself with treats. I think steering clear of judging others is a way I love myself, because in turn, I do not judge myself but instead try to become better daily. I also try to show Kevin I love him by serving him, not only because I love him, but because I love myself enough to want a strong and healthy relationship.
I am not perfect at this yet, but I am trying to love myself more. To find happiness inside myself, because if I cannot find it there it is useless to search elsewhere.
How do you love yourself? I am genuinely curious.
8 comments:
I love that you brought up this topic because it's important to do things for ourselves. One way I show love to myself [haha that sounds weird] is following my intuition. Making decisions based on what I think/feel..
You said it, girl. Happiness can absolutely and unequivocably ONLY come from inside. This past weekend I went on a trip to NY with a friend and, while I wrote about it on my blog as being terrible mainly because of factors outside of our control, what I COULDN'T mention was that the REAL reason the trip was a disaster was because the friend I went with was genuinely unhappy, gripey, sour, and negative almost the entire time. I honesly think the law of attraction was bringing us more negativity because she refused to see the humor and joy in each situation we faced. I shouldn't have let it get to me, but I did.
Anyway, one way I show love to myself is by forgiving myself when I'm feeling depressed (mostly around that time of the month), understanding that sometimes the way I'm feeling is simply out of my control and will pass, and occasionally allowing myself to just sleep when I feel tired, take a bubble bath when I need calm, and even I sometimes give myself a whole day to just do almost nothing. Lol! It always makes me glad to go back to getting things done.
Thanks for the thoughtful post, and sorry this comment is so ridiculously long! :)
Such a good post, Mandy!
One way I love myself is by listening to and open-heartedly accepting feedback from peers - classmates, co-workers, family, friends.
What a perfect thing to think about so early in the day.
When I think about loving myself, I think about what I do to make myself happy. Doing something that I enjoy (usually alone). It could be painting my toenails or watching Bravo.
I'm not sure If I've ever told you this, I honestly feel that you are such an incredible person. I love reading your blog because it makes me smile, it makes me think of my own life and it also inspires me in my ways. I think we would get along really well if we lived closer to one another.
also, you motivate me to read more often
so thank you!
Ooo, I love this post. I have a hard time being nice to myself sometimes, and Christopher has always been good about reminding me. I let myself quit a job I hated to make time for things I love to do. And it worked! As far as eating well....I'm still working on that. :)
I love this post :) It's funny how little things will make us realize how important it is to take care of ourselves, before we can truly be happy but also make anyone else around us happy.
I hate to admit that there are times when I just let my laziness get in the way of the things I would like to do for myself, but I've managed to become better at it.
I like to take a bath to unwind by day every night before I go to sleep; I light candles, and I just sit there, and try not to think about anything.
I let myself go to sleep at 8.30pm sometimes, because I know my body needs it.
I will always take the time to wash my face, and apply my daily creams.
I love getting a new book, and that moment where I get comfy on the couch, and start reading the first chapter.
I stay out of drama at all times, and try my hardest not to get involved in anyone's personal business. I'm always here to listen, but unless someone confines to me, I won't push it.
I take the time to call my parents, my family and always ask how Michael's day was, because I know how happy it makes me to keep up with the people who are close to me.
I do the same with my friends, and allow myself to have weekly girls night (usually dinner, and a few drinks)
Hah this is so long, but I truly believe that it is important to love ourselves before we can love someone else.
Oh boy, I needed to read this today! Sometimes you just need a reminder. When I'm taking care of myself, it's been a rough week :), I'm exercising, drinking lots of water and spending sometime outside!
Post a Comment