The Importance of Loving Yourself
Most of the time when I talk about self compassion or loving yourself people cringe. Why are so many of us against having a good relationship with ourselves? There is no one else in this world that we are stuck with from the moment we are born to the day we die- not our parents, not our siblings, not our partner(s), and not our friends. Just ourselves. So why not get along with ourselves… or even go as far as love ourselves.
I’m not referring to the type of self love that will make you annoying. I’m talking about the type of self love that when you make a mistake, you don’t beat yourself up. You tell yourself that “that sucked, but I’m going to be okay.” I’m talking about the type of self love that when you see someone that makes you question your own worth you don’t think “I hate them” or “I’m never going to be that pretty or that smart or that rich” but rather “Wow, they are really (blank). Good for them. I would like that for myself one day,” or “Good for them. I can appreciate that, and that’s not for me. I have other things going on for myself.”
Why does this matter?
Because the relationship you have with yourself is the foundation of all the other relationships you have in your life.
The good, the bad, and the ugly.
If you would like to read more about self compassion, Dr. Kristen Neff’s website is a great resource!