Many people see February as the month of love. It is a month to show affection and appreciation to the special people in our lives. But so often you forget about the most important person in your life; yourself.
Imagine if we can learn to love ourselves with the amount of intensity we sometimes feel for others? But where do we begin? And how do you start when, for years, we've been told that loving yourself equals vanity?
There is nothing vain about having a healthy self-esteem. It adds energy and enthusiasm to your life, and btw, it is contagious!
The first step to building yourself up and learning to love yourself is by acknowledging the abilities you have to 'become', and by actively using these skills daily.
"If you want to change the world begin with yourself."
Below are some helpful self-growth reasons to acknowledge or to start implementing in your life. All to help you build a better self-esteem and love yourself.
You've taken responsibility in both your personal and professional life
You feel satisfied with the 'bed' you've made and you are more than happy to lie in it. You are in control of the actions and decisions you make, and you are accepting of the consequences.
You are an empathetic listener
You can place yourself in another's shoes and see the world from their point of reference without becoming judgemental. You can actively listen to a person's feelings or problems without making it your own. You are also able to self-disclose and communicate openly and honestly.
You accept others as they are
You are kind and respectful towards those around you. You feel no obligation to change another or to convince him/her of your values. You see no reason to change another person's point of view to reflect your own, but rather, you can engage and share your differences with another in a non-blameful and peaceful way.
You are a problem solver
You see conflict as an opportunity for growth. You use conflict resolution skills to deal with challenging situations or unacceptable behaviour effectively, instead of resorting to irrational instincts like yelling, manipulating, guilt-tripping, or shaming another person.
If any of the above rings true to you, then you have reason to celebrate. Most importantly you have reason to celebrate you. Remember, you are the only person you are genuinely spending the rest of your life with. And if you can't learn to love yourself now, then what's to come in the 20, 40, 60+ years? It's never too late to start loving.
Learn more: www.parents.co.za/be-your-best
Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas, and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.