To Love or Not to Love...?
- sarahew2001
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
What does to love oneself look like? There is a lot of information about this but this is not a common trait amongst people. It is often said that one cannot truly love another until they love themselves. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who hate themselves—even those who appear successful, beautiful, etc. Why? There are a plethora of reasons and at this point, I will refrain from writing a diatribe. If there is any type of abuse in a family, abandonment, or any type of rejection—it will either repeat or it will stop. I am of the mind that there is a choice to continue the cycle or to demolish it.
Does someone truly need to love themselves before they can be loved or love another? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. You see, true connection teaches us to love not only ourselves but others. It seems complicated, but simplicity lies within this concept. For example, another human can show someone else who has not been loved, that he or she is worthy of love and what love is. This demonstration of love can allow one to love themselves for the very first time.
A possibility and a declaration:
If I am now my very own mother or father—how will I treat myself? Besides providing basic nourishment, clothing, and shelter…
I will make sure I am loved and listened to.
I will hold myself through the pain of grief.
I will stay true to my word and follow through on my intention.
I will guard my heart.
I will tell myself I can accomplish any dream through dedication and persistence.
I will eat healthy food and keep myself strong.
I will approve of all things that bring health and joy and shun things of darkness, addiction, and selfish desire.
I will tell myself how proud I am of the accomplishments I have gained and cherish the life I have been given.
I will give gratitude to God for my breath and hold each moment dear because each moment is not guaranteed.
I will be gentle to myself, give good things to myself, and invite people into my life who respect and admire me as I will them.
I will step up to the plate for myself and others because I am worth it. Just because others may not step up, that is no excuse for me.
I say this to me and you and to those of you who have never been truly loved and cherished properly: I love you, I cherish you, you are the handiwork of God and a gift to this world. You deserve to be nourished, sheltered, protected, admired, and cherished.
Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (NIV)
1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us." (NIV)
Abba Modern: Beloved
Comments