Love Yourself First

 

 

 

 

Love yourself first. If you can't do that, how do you expect anyone else to?

Love comes in many forms. It doesn't have to be so clearly defined. In fact, I think that might be why people struggle so much, because in their minds they've already decided what they think it should mean, based on what has been force fed to them their whole lives.

 

My definition of love has changed immensely over the past year. Parts of it remain the same, but the spectrum has expanded into realms I didn't realize were possible. I guess for a very long time, I wasn't sure how to love myself because I was too busy putting the needs of others over my own, thinking that was a form of love. Self-sacrificing, I robbed myself of love, which left me feeling quite empty inside. I thought I was doing the right thing...what was expected of me. I spent so much time and effort trying to prove my "love" that I gave up who I was entirely. Which is completely insane.

 

I can tell you..that didn't really work out so well. It emptied me, drained me, sucked the life right out of me, made me doubt myself and left me in misery. 

 

Love shouldn't have anything to do with making you less of yourself.

 

After much time on my own I began seeing more clearly what is important to me. I started feeling my spirit again, feeling my body gain strength, seeing the light come back into my eyes when I looked into the mirror.

 

I started loving me again.

 

For me, love is taking care of your body, eating foods that keep you healthy. Love is generosity of spirt. Love is acceptance of flaws. Love is the ability to tear down walls, especially your own. Love is allowing yourself room to breath.

 

When you get to the place where you can love yourself completely, you no longer feel the need to validate yourself through other people. I think that has been the greatest part of my transformation.