Hello friends and family. I can’t believe it’s August. We’re officially in the second half of the year. I don’t know about you, but July in my opinion sped by way too quick. Now if only work hours could speed by as quickly.
For a new month, I decided to create for myself a new challenge. I call it “Seven Days of Wisdom”. For seven days, I shall share with you some of the best advice; lessons; and wisdom I have ever received throughout life. Why seven days and not a whole month like some other challenges, because 7 holds a special meaning in my heart as I am a Seventh- Day Adventist Christian. Also, due to a busy work schedule and everything else I got going on in my life, I wouldn’t have the time. I’m still somewhat shamed by the unfinished Blogging Challenge in June. Never again! Without further ado, here goes Day 1. The topic is one many of us have heard in every song, movie, tv show, book out there- make sure you love yourself.
Make Sure You Love Yourself
A couple of years ago, I was laying in my bed, shirtless and in my thoughts, much like I’m doing now. Only during that time, I was in my thoughts about a female I had introduced to my siblings and in-laws the day before. All seemed to go well until one of my sister-in-laws asked the woman if they loved me. Why they felt it was their business to ask- I don’t know. I was hoping to hear a response that would bring a smile to my face, but the response I got instead left me between a smile and a glare. “I care about him,” she said.
I couldn’t believe it. Prior to that moment this person had been fine telling me she loved me when I said it to her. Now all of a sudden this person couldn’t say in front of anyone if asked. (Keep in mind, I was more insecure then than I am now.) Usually I was and still am good at keeping certain feelings buried, but in that moment I seemed to be wearing a neon sign that burned bright reading “I’m not okay. ”
“What’s the matter with you,” asked my girlfriend, catching the unease on my face.
“We’ll talk later,” I said
As I laid in bed the following morning, trying to forget the hollow feeling in my stomach from the day prior, there was a knock on my door. “Come in,” I said, slightly putting my glasses on. The door creeked open and in came my father.
He rehashed the question that was brought up the day before, which he said was really nobody’s business to begin with, and the response which seemed to bother me. His last words before exiting the room were Make sure you love yourself first, Dad said.
Everyone wants to be loved and cared about. I believe that type of desire is engrained in us. Even babies desire affection and attention. But sometimes we’re so desperate to be loved by others and quick to give them all of us, that we forget to care about ourselves. In that desperation we may compromise our values; beliefs; goals; lifestyle; and self worth. How can you expect anyone to love you, if it appears you don’t love yourself?
Occasionally, I have my moments of insecurity. What I do to combat it is to remind myself of what I love about me. I highly recommend you do the same. Trust me, it will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.
What I Love About Me
- My unwillingness to let my stutter define me
- My ability to see things from others points of views
- My modesty and humbleness
- That I was raised in the church
- That I love others as I would myself
- That I’m a decent looking guy
- That I enjoy the simple things in life
- That I have people in my life who love me
- My gift of singing
- My gift of writing
- My determination and perseverance
- That I’m into books
- That I have God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit to give me shelter and strength
Here are a couple of suggestions to show that you love yourself:
- Take care of your body by working out and having good eating habits.
- Don’t compromise your morals/ beliefs for anybody.
- Pray for yourself.
- Say to yourself repeatedly that you love yourself.
- Lee striving to do better
- Don’t let anyone treat you wrong, even if they’re in romantic relationship with you.
- Always think about yourself before trying to do everything for others.
- Don’t pollute your body or do yourself bodily harm.
- Remind yourself of the people who do love you, and surround yourself with those people.
- Tell yourself that you matter.
I hope you enjoyed this bit of advice, no matter how low you may get at times, please remember that you’re worth it. Loving others is important, but make sure you love yourself as well.
You’re invited to participate in this challenge if you’d like. Just be sure to mention me just to give me credit.
Thank you and have a good day!
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