Love Yourself

The idea of loving oneself might seem selfish, especially to those of us brought up in a religious tradition, who are taught to put others before ourselves and to practice humility.  We see people in public life or in the corporate world who are self-absorbed and even narcissistic, acting in ways that are detrimental to those around them, and we are turned off, knowing in our hearts that this is not right.  Yet self-love is not the same as Narcissism.

Self-love is the practice of opening our hearts to our inner beings, embracing and caring for ourselves as we would our loved ones.  Jesus taught that we should "Love our neighbors as ourselves", which means that we are significant and worthy.  Instead of focusing on our flaws, we can begin to look in the mirror and see ourselves as beautiful beings, created by God... an integral part of an interconnected universe.  We can recognize the importance of self-care, being still for a few moments and asking our Higher Power what it is that we need to be centered and at peace.

When we have cared for ourselves first, we will then have the strength to go out into the world and give to others.