Love Begins With Love of Self

Amazingly, festivities on Valentine's Day, February 14th, are the same throughout many cultures. It's a day to celebrate couples and relationships; a day to buy that loved one a sweet card or a box of chocolates, perhaps a dozen roses, or an expensive dinner out on the town. But on this special day, celebrated throughout the world, how many of us think of honoring ourselves and loving ourselves? Demonstrating our love for ourselves and truly honoring our love of Self? Sound easy? I don't think so. In fact, I think that truly loving ourselves may be the single most difficult thing we need to do in this lifetime!!

The ancient Greeks admonished, "Man know thyself," but I think more aptly they should have commanded us with "Man love thyself." Is there anything really more critical for our self-development and spiritual evolution as a sacred human than to love ourselves fully, sincerely, and completely? One could reasonably argue that our Creator MUST love us unconditionally because we are so imperfect and fallible, yet we are Still Here!! Of course!! In divine realms, as I understand it, there is ABSOLUTELY no judgment whatsoever. In fact, judgment is not even possible in the higher realms. All are loved wholly and without condition.

We have probably heard that "all healing begins with self-healing." Well, I believe that all love begins with self-love, and if we are to have healthy love relationships with others, it must begin with loving ourselves first.

So what does this look like? What does self-love look like? Hmm, that is a great question, and of course, will look different for each person. One way for me to test my love for myself is to stand in front of a mirror and honestly look at my body, my face, my hips, my legs, my hair, my arms, my hands, etc. and say "I love you. I love myself fully and without any conditions. I am at peace with myself and I love all that I am." Can I truly and fully say that "I love myself no matter what?!" This may sound like an easy thing to do, but try it. Go ahead and do this each and every morning right when you wake up. You may find it easy one day, but you may find it impossibly difficult the next day. I know I do!!

In closing, on Valentine's Day this year, it may be a great time to love yourself, outwardly, boldly, and happily. Then, if this goes well, you can try it perhaps each month, then each week, and finally, every day! This is my goal. Happy Love Yourself Day on the 14th!