All my life I have heard the words treat people the way you want to be treated and turn the other cheek. The words are powerful and necessary, however as I am maturing I realize there needs to be balance in the the lessons shared with each other and the next generation. Let’s take the first statement treat people the way you want to be treated our way of treating ourselves may not always be in a caring and healthy way. Do I really want to treat people the way I want to be treated when I am unclear of how I want to be treated? Learning our likes and dislikes take time . We have to learn impulse control, self-reflection, patience with ourselves among other things so the statement treat people the way you want to be treated doesn’t always compute or isn’t always effective for our lives or the lives we touch in our daily living. Lets look at how we can appropriately and passionately love ourselves so that we can effectively, passionately and appropriately love others.
This week take a look at the words you speak to yourself when someone compliments you, when you go into the dressing room to try on an outfit, when your struggling to pass a test in class. We are to speak life not just to others but to ourselves. I am learning this practice as well so you are not alone. We love best when we love ourselves not more than others but when we love ourselves well. Loving ourselves starts with the heart and mind.
Proverbs 14:30 – ” A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body, jealousy is like cancer in the bones”.
Who are you comparing yourself too? Stop it
Know that you are “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”. I challenge you for this week to write words of affirmation on a post it, index card, prayer journal somewhere about what you do well and one strength or admirable thing about you.
Remember we can love well when we love ourselves first.Blood in My Mouth