One Big Question
Words we live to hear and share honestly with family and friends. Words so meaningful they bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. Words so commonly written on cards, sent in texts, spoken in every language. Words we utter routinely to everyone, but ourselves.
Three little words…I love you.
We work so hard loving others and being loved. Sometimes we forget to show the same attention and loving-kindness to ourselves. Inspired by an excerpt I found in a magazine from Uncovering Happiness by Elisha Goldstein, PhD, take a self-compassion inventory.
"Imagine if we obsessed about the things we loved about ourselves."
-Unknown
Ask yourself 5 questions:
1. Where does your inner critic pop up? Looking in the mirror? At work? In relationships? As a parent?
2. What are the repercussions of being so hard on yourself?
3. When something difficult arises in life and you fall under stress, where do you rank on the priority list of people to take care of?
4. When things are tough, do you tend to compare yourself with others, thinking that they have it all?
5. What would the days, weeks, and months ahead be like if your stress and inner struggles were met with more understanding and caring?
Life beats us up enough, focus on alleviating self-destruction. Do not bury yourself in self-inflicted negativity. When things get tough, sometimes being selfish is necessary. Take even a few minutes to focus on yourself. Remember, you are not alone, everyone struggles with something. Understanding yourself can only lead to greater understanding of others.
It is easy to recall the last time you said, I love you. The big question is when is the last time you said, I love me?
