Self love

Mar 31 aft

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/you-have-value-can-be-happy-regardless-of-relationship-status/

We’re taught early on, through various forms of conditioning, that we are only valuable when an external source recognizes it, whether it’s a spouse, parent, or a boss. Dean Martin even sings, “You’re nobody ‘til somebody loves you. You’re nobody ‘til somebody cares.”

Could this paradigm possibly be accurate? After all, if an icon like Dean Martin is singing about it, there must be some kernel of truth to it, right?

I definitely felt better about myself when I was “coupled up,” but did that justify feeling devoid of love when the relationship ran its course?

It wasn’t until I cultivated love for myself that I recognized my immense value, regardless of my relationship status. This happened through a regular spiritual practice and reflective meditation. From that space, I also recognized a few fundamental truths that helped me foster self-love.

1. Extreme self-care means doing what strengthens your mind, body, and spirit.

2. Your most important commitment is to honor yourself and your needs.

3. Your emotional well-being does not depend on any external circumstance.

At any given moment, I have the ability to choose a positive emotional state. I can’t control the way other people act toward me, but I can reframe my belief system to better align with my own self-image. For example, just because someone lashes out or says something hurtful, that doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of me.

Each of us is responsible for our own feelings, and it is our job to rescue ourselves from the pit of despair when we fall in.

4. Making peace with your past paves the way for a rewarding future.

5. Speak and treat yourself with kindness.

Listening to your internal dialogue can be a good way to gauge your level of self-love. Are your thoughts predominantly negative or self-condemning? If they are, your first priority should be to change the way you speak to yourself.


6. Trust your intuition; it will guide the way.

You intuition is one of the best tools at your disposal, and fortunately, you can never leave home without it! Listen to what your intuition tells you about taking care of yourself. After all, you deserve your love and affection.

Self-love is a regular practice that starts with acceptance. Take the time to align with your inner self and appreciate your strength. Only then can you open up to receiving and giving love to others unconditionally.

If you can be love and accept yourself, you’ll be happy regardless of who chooses to enter or exit your life.