Love Yourself in Action

You know, I have always heard the mantra, "You've got to love yourself first, before being able to love someone else." This is so true in so many ways, and not just in romantic relationships. It's true also about the way we see the world and the love we share with others in it.

In my experiences with love and romantic relationships, I have found them to be a mirror to my soul, forcing me to see the beautiful things and also the bad and the ugly. It's easy to say with words "I Love Me," especially when putting on a facade for others. It's hard, however, to face the realities of guilt and shame, or resentment. Yet, it is so necessary to put in the work and deal with our issues and work through them. Otherwise, they will act as a glass ceiling that we keep bumping our heads against when trying to move forward with our lives. 

If you look deep enough you will find that a part of you is still that scared or hurt little girl, though you are trying your hardest to be a strong, forward-moving woman. It is time to love that girl and in turn love yourself for exactly who you are right at this moment. Then, after you love yourself, have a relationship with yourself. Know yourself. Enjoy yourself and enjoy life.

There have been times that I have struggled and fought to make a relationship work, or "make" a person love me. Eventually, I got tired and decided to let go. I decided to put my love for myself in action, to trust in life's flow, which is so beautifully choreographed by God. I chose to not only love myself first, but to also act in that love by forming a relationship with myself and not stress or worry about my relationships with others. I learned to love freely, which can only be done once you love yourself so much that it overflows to others. You don't have to worry about protecting yourself or fighting because you are protected by the love and care that you have for yourself.

Test to see if your love for yourself is in action. 
Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I stand up for myself?
• Do I acknowledge the many blessings in my life each day?
• Do I praise and reward myself for my accomplishments?
• Do I not allow others to cross boundaries that violate who I am?
• Do I not allow myself over-compromise my feelings and settle?
• Do I hold in my thoughts and feelings?
• Do I allow myself to feel beautiful everyday?

The more yes's you have, shows your growth and your love for yourself in action. The no's expose areas in need of growth and attention. Please take the time to be your best self and love yourself for exactly who you are at any given moment. Show your love in action by taking care of and nurturing yourself.

How has having a relationship with yourself improved your life? In what ways have you shown your love in action? 

Discuss and leave your comments below!

Peace & Blessings

Phylicia