Growing up I've always been told, "you can't expect someone to love you if you don't love yourself," but what does that really mean? Of course I have to like myself. I'm the only person who has to spend every second of every day for the rest of my life with me, but I don't really think that's the whole point of that quote. I believe that there is so much more to truly loving yourself. In order to love yourself, you have to know yourself and figure out who you really are. What are your goals, your morals and your values? The real question is, how do you know when you're at the point of finding yourself?
Accept yourself.
You don’t need to be accepted by others, but you do need to accept yourself. To love yourself is to understand that you don’t need to be perfect to be good, so avoid perfection and be willing to forgive yourself. After all, nobody in this world is perfect so why would you strive to be? Don’t compare yourself to others. Be less judgmental. Life is too short to be serious all the time, so never be afraid to laugh at yourself. To be beautiful means to be yourself. Now go out and live a little.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable.
I’m not telling you to be weak or defenseless, but I’m asking you to be able to open up emotionally and to take a risk on uncertainty. Being willing to share our true self takes great courage, but only our true self can really feel. Trust yourself as only you know all the answers and pay attention to your true feelings, they will guide you your whole life.
Are you self-reliant?
Everyone knows someone that has to be in a relationship at all times. They are reliant on that other person to make them happy. I'm positive that if you have found yourself you don't need anyone else to make you happy. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have. If you rely on someone else for your happiness, you're going to be continually disappointed in life. Remember, your number one priority should always be YOU. Recognizing that, why would you expect someone else to put you before themselves?
Have you accepted the fact that God has a plan for you?
God has a beautiful plan for you, so what's the point of worrying about if you've found “The One”? If it’s meant to be, it will be. Have a little faith. Why waste the time worrying about something that you have no control over, instead take the time to DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. Do something for yourself and allow yourself to truly have fun!
Life is a voyage to self-discovery. Let go of the past and focus on cherishing each day along the way so you can live life to its fullest. Appreciate all that you have been given and genuinely love yourself. The only limits in life are the ones you set for yourself. The greatest gift you can give to yourself, and to others, is of unconditional love and acceptance. Now ask yourself, "do you love yourself unconditionally?"
