Self-Love
What does love truly entail? Its meaning is intricate and varies depending on the recipient. The definition shifts according to the person on the receiving end. It transforms based on whether it is directed towards a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend, a coworker, a stranger, or even oneself. Yes, you read that correctly—love towards oneself. While it is effortless to extend love to others, why do we often become our harshest critics? Why are we unforgiving and judgmental towards ourselves? If we would readily advise someone else facing the same issue to let it go and be gentler on themselves, why can't we afford the same compassion to ourselves? What holds us back? Is it rooted in childhood trauma, or do we believe that being strict with ourselves is a means of demanding personal growth and improvement?
Many people disregard self-care, neglecting their own well-being; they fail to nurture themselves in the way a mother cares for her children. They forget to grant themselves forgiveness, a gesture readily extended to those who wrong them. Self-pampering, similar to how one might treat a spouse or our own parents—with a spa day, a vacation, or engaging in beloved activities—often goes amiss. It's vital to recognize that as individuals, we also deserve love, attention, care, and, above all, forgiveness, which fortifies our strength to endure the challenges we face. Life is already full of adversities, which is why we need to stop and smell the roses once in a while. Learning the art of self-care is essential to cultivate the energy and right mindset needed to care for our loved ones. Failing to do so might inadvertently burden others as we unload our insecurities, frustrations, anger, and impatience onto them—emotional baggage they don't deserve. Therefore, if not for your sake, care for yourself for the sake of those who hold you dear. It is an act of love and kindness toward those most precious to you.
Create a daily mantra to reinforce the idea that you are strong and worthy of love. Recite it each morning upon waking, every night before sleep, and whenever doubt creeps in. The world may present challenges and there will be individuals who seek to undermine your worth, but remember, their motives often arise from gaining an advantage through the exploitation of your fears and insecurities. Discover your life's purpose by engaging in what you love and what benefits the world and future generations. Pursue it wholeheartedly and without hesitation. Do what you believe in, and believe in what you do.
Remind yourself daily: You are invincible. You are irreplaceable. You are commendable. Embrace these affirmations as a defense against a world that may attempt to belittle your worth. Bear in mind that you are a precious and irreplaceable gift from the universe. Express gratitude to the universe and consistently share this precious gift with the world. The world needs you, as you need the world.