Loving Myself

Admittedly, I'm not very good at loving myself.  I can do nice things for myself but they aren't necessarily driven by love.  I say things to myself (in my head) that I wouldn't dream of saying to other people I love.  Realizing that I treat myself with such contempt has been an eye opener.  How can I expect someone else to love and appreciate me if I don't love and appreciate me?  What good has being harsh on myself done for me?  None.  Over the past month I have become more and more aware of these thoughts and feelings about myself and slowly started to realize the influence they have over how I treat myself (from eating habits, to exercise, to sleep). 

Well, no more.  It's time to change the way I talk to myself and the way I treat myself.  It's time to reject what the media has convinced me is beautiful and realize that I am beautifully created by God.  It's time to appreciate the amazing work of art that the human body is and give it space to function well.

Changing how I feel about myself is going to take time but so far I am loving the journey.  From books like this one and this one, to movies like this one, to websites too numerous to mention...pouring positive and affirming thoughts into my mind has made me feel so much better about myself which in turn has given me motivation to treat myself better (walking, eating foods that nourish, spending more time with God each morning, getting enough sleep).

"Why compare yourself with others?  No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.  Instead of thinking about what you're missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing."  This quote (and so many others just as inspiring) from Love Your Flawz. 

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks a the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.'"  1 Samuel 16:7

The journey has only just begun...and I hope to continue sharing more of it here with you.