Love Yourself, Love Your Life

Do you desire a deeper connection with more people in your life?

For love to flow through you, it must come from within you. You cannot give and receive loving energy unless you first have it within.

Finding love MUST begin with loving yourself.

Below are three important steps for loving yourself:

1. Be aware of your thoughts and words. How easily do you accept and learn from your mistakes without judgment? When it comes to failure, most of us reach for the “critical parent” within. We put ourselves down in ways we would never do to those we love. Statements such as “I’m so stupid!” “I’ll never do it right” or “She’ll never understand me” subconsciously tell us we are imperfect and unlovable. Consider the impact these statements have on you and your life. Watch for sarcasm and slang. It does make a difference.

2. Enjoy the journey. Some wise person once said, “If you don’t get lost, there’s a chance you’ll never be found.” Each step of your journey creates the whole. This journey is your life! Instead of judging your experience and wishing it would pass, be present with each situation, emotion, and choice. Most of the time we are in such a hurry to get to our goal or dream, we are not present with what is happening in the moment. Be right where you are today. Pat your self on the back for just showing up. Spend time in the chaos, confusion and struggle, and allow yourself to feel the pain. This process is much more valuable than the destination. The process is the gift. It’s where the learning and growth actually occur.

3. Forgiveness is essential! When you do something you regret, instead of reaching for judgment and criticism, connect with your “nurturing parent” within. That compassionate person you easily access for your child, your pet or your friends. The more compassion and forgiveness you have for yourself and for your pain, the more you are able to heal, release it and learn from its lessons.

No matter where you are in life, honor and accept right where you are today. When you let go of judgment and attachment to an outcome, you soften the edges and begin to spiral up. You begin to feel more freedom and expansion. From here, the problem doesn’t seem so big any more. You begin walking down the path of love.

Love all of yourself today. When you can do this, the world will reflect that love back to you.