Self Appreciation - Often Overlooked
Have you taken the time today to appreciate yourself? Really? In all the spiritual and self-improvement books out there, the one thing that is not emphasized is how important it is to appreciate the truly miraculous being that you are.
We have been taught from infancy to put others first; to love thy neighbor; to consider the feelings of other people before we speak or act.
How often were you encouraged to truly acknowledge and appreciate the one person who will love you when you are unlovable, who will take care of you all your life, who is responsible for how you feel? If your childhood was anything like mine, then the answer to that question will be 'never'.
This can be quite an eye-opener when you start to consider it carefully.
How can you possibly take care of other people - your spouse, children, parents, friends or total strangers if you don't take care (and I don't just mean physically) of yourself first? After all these years, and there are a lot, I have realised how much better my life could have been if I had learned the art of self-appreciation.
If I had constantly listed my talents, my positive points and my achievements no matter how trivial, on a daily basis.
If I had been less critical when I looked in the mirror or when talking about myself to other people.
How easily we dismiss and denigrate our own very beings.
And, if you believe in the Law of Attraction, then you will begin to realise how detrimental this self-abuse - because that's what it is, abuse - is to our well-being.
Think about it; you'd never speak to someone else like you often criticise yourself! You are not a clump of cells which arrived here by accident, you are a vibrant being which you have spent years creating.
Your many facets will either shine with love or they will be dulled by inattention and continual put-downs.
You know, out of your friends and family, who the shiny ones are.
Are you one of those to whom others are attracted, to whom life is kind to, who are open and ready for the myriad of opportunities that seem to constantly appear before them? Or do you find yourself complaining, sick, lacking money, facing problems and just continually struggling? So how about making a decision right now that you will start appreciating yourself? Right in this instant you can improve your life dramatically by simply taking the time to acknowledge your goodness.
I prefer to use a journal but you can play this game any way you like.
You've heard people extolling the virtues of a gratitude journal? Well, it's time to begin a self-appreciation journal.
Every night before you go to sleep, write down (or list mentally) five things about yourself that you think are worthy of mention.
These can be anything at all.
Example: I love my gorgeous green eyes.
I really appreciated the meal I cooked this evening.
How coolly I dealt with that awkward situation today.
It was great when I won that poetry competition at school in 1984.
I am a fabulous Mom.
The main thing is to feel that appreciation.
Really feel love for those eyes, your ability as a cook, what a great negotiator you are, how creative you can be and what a good parent you are.
Feel it.
Do the same every night for the rest of your life.
In addition to that, make sure, as you go through your day, that you take every opportunity to appreciate the magnificent human being that you have created.
We have been taught from infancy to put others first; to love thy neighbor; to consider the feelings of other people before we speak or act.
How often were you encouraged to truly acknowledge and appreciate the one person who will love you when you are unlovable, who will take care of you all your life, who is responsible for how you feel? If your childhood was anything like mine, then the answer to that question will be 'never'.
This can be quite an eye-opener when you start to consider it carefully.
How can you possibly take care of other people - your spouse, children, parents, friends or total strangers if you don't take care (and I don't just mean physically) of yourself first? After all these years, and there are a lot, I have realised how much better my life could have been if I had learned the art of self-appreciation.
If I had constantly listed my talents, my positive points and my achievements no matter how trivial, on a daily basis.
If I had been less critical when I looked in the mirror or when talking about myself to other people.
How easily we dismiss and denigrate our own very beings.
And, if you believe in the Law of Attraction, then you will begin to realise how detrimental this self-abuse - because that's what it is, abuse - is to our well-being.
Think about it; you'd never speak to someone else like you often criticise yourself! You are not a clump of cells which arrived here by accident, you are a vibrant being which you have spent years creating.
Your many facets will either shine with love or they will be dulled by inattention and continual put-downs.
You know, out of your friends and family, who the shiny ones are.
Are you one of those to whom others are attracted, to whom life is kind to, who are open and ready for the myriad of opportunities that seem to constantly appear before them? Or do you find yourself complaining, sick, lacking money, facing problems and just continually struggling? So how about making a decision right now that you will start appreciating yourself? Right in this instant you can improve your life dramatically by simply taking the time to acknowledge your goodness.
I prefer to use a journal but you can play this game any way you like.
You've heard people extolling the virtues of a gratitude journal? Well, it's time to begin a self-appreciation journal.
Every night before you go to sleep, write down (or list mentally) five things about yourself that you think are worthy of mention.
These can be anything at all.
Example: I love my gorgeous green eyes.
I really appreciated the meal I cooked this evening.
How coolly I dealt with that awkward situation today.
It was great when I won that poetry competition at school in 1984.
I am a fabulous Mom.
The main thing is to feel that appreciation.
Really feel love for those eyes, your ability as a cook, what a great negotiator you are, how creative you can be and what a good parent you are.
Feel it.
Do the same every night for the rest of your life.
In addition to that, make sure, as you go through your day, that you take every opportunity to appreciate the magnificent human being that you have created.
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