Journeyers, this month we celebrate LOVE in all its forms! LOVE is not only about the love we give to others but it is also about being willing to receive LOVE and the Love of SELF.
As you focus your attention on the relationships you have with others please remember that the relationship with ourselves is one of our biggest challenges; you deserve the same love you give, be willing to open your heart and receive it.
All we need to do is love ourselves and it naturally goes out into the environment.
The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lover’s don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along ~ Rumi
Agree. The Greeks understood that in order to care for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. This form of self -love is not unhealthy vanity and self-obsession that is focused on personal fame, gain and fortune as is the case with narcissism. Instead, “Philautia” (self-love in Greek) is self-love in its healthiest form. You cannot share what you do not have. If you do not love yourself, you cannot love anyone else. I wrote an article on my website titled ” 8 flavours of love – Which one are you?” https://authorjoannereed.net/lets-talk-about-love-8-flavors-of-love/. Check it out!
So true. Love starts with us. In fact it’s always been there.
Oh, I love this! Funny, when I first started exploring writing a blog on Forgiving Fridays, I walked the labyrinth and asked for clarity, and I heard that my focus was “The key is loving yourself.” Such a foundation for everything.
I also love Rumi. And the energy of this blog. Sending you blessings of love, of receiving, and of great forgiving and compassion for the highest good. Have a wonderful weekend! ~Debbie
ps – I also just read a quote this morning by my spiritual mentor, John-Roger, where he talked about how everything is a manifestation of love.
I passed your info along to someone who wrote about forgiveness. Mentioned she should connect with you on Forgiving Fridays. It’s a great idea. Enjoy your weekend too! ~ Bernice
Oh that’s great, Bernice! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂 🙂 🙂 Just had a massage, it was lovely and good self-care. Take good care, and hugs. ~Debbie
Agree. I think forgiving yourself is also being compassionate with yourself. And compassion is a key element of self-love. The Greeks understood that in order to care for others, we must first learn to care for ourselves. This form of self -love is not unhealthy vanity and self-obsession that is focused on personal fame, gain and fortune as is the case with narcissism. Instead, “Philautia” (self-love in Greek) is self-love in its healthiest form. You cannot share what you do not have. If you do not love yourself, you cannot love anyone else. I wrote an article on my website titled ” 8 flavours of love – Which one are you?” https://authorjoannereed.net/lets-talk-about-love-8-flavors-of-love/. Check it out!
Beautiful and so true.
Thank you! 🌸
Wonderful read. Self love is the best kind! I really enjoyed this!
I wrote something along the lines of self boob love! Have a look if you want too 🙂
https://creatinghappyminds.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/5-reasons-why-you-should-love-your-small-boobs/
Rosie Mauu x
Will look into your post later today. Gotta love every inch of your body – even your small boobs. 😊
Exactly! Thank you, I appreciate that. The journey of self discovery and self love is a hard but exciting one! <3
A beautiful reminder, especially since everybody else usually comes before me and sometimes we need to take care of ourselves first so we can be able to be of service to others.
Loving own self is the most important thing. Nice post. 😇😊
Thank you Shreya
I LOVE this. It’s so easy to forget! Beautiful post!
Aww thanks Jessica!
You’re welcome! February is a good time to focus on love! 🙂
Beautiful and so very true. I often tell this to my teenage son who’s often so critical of himself. We have to be our own best friend. ❤️
Teenage years can be challenging…at least he has you be your side supporting him. 🙂
Exactly how I want to celebrate Valentine’s day this year… self love. Can’t hurt to be selfish once in a while.
Self love is not about being selfish its about loving and taking care of ourselves…and when our heart is full we’re able to share it with others. So good to see you!
You beat me to it! I was going to say the same sort of thing 🙂
😀 Enjoy your weekend.
You too 🙂
Exactly, but sometimes that guilty feeling arises making u feel like it is selfishness.
Thanks dear
This was given to me in a dream after my marriage ended – first learn to love thyself. A life’s work… Beautiful post and Rumi is awesome.
It is my no 1 rule… love self first x much love barbara x
This has got to be THE most difficult relationship of all! We’ve all heard of loving ourselves but when we turn the magnifying glass inwards, don’t we just cringe at the thought of saying “I love you” to ourselves?
I know I did! Years of harsh criticism and abuse from people had honed me into a self loathing machine! It was very difficult for me to reach a point of truly being able to love myself!
First, I started with learning to accept myself. That alone was super difficult! I had to do it in stages… Letting myself know that it was okay to be me, at this stage in life… That who we are isn’t set in stone!
Maya Angelou’s quote (and many other inspiring quotes) helped give me strength to give myself permission to be imperfect: “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
Learning to accept and love ourselves is an incremental process! As we start on the path, we start by noticing the things we are doing well at, and that gives us confidence to continue!
Self love isn’t the narcissistic kind of love which puts ourselves ahead of everyone, it’s the kind of love which no longer accepts that we be placed BEHIND everyone!
Sharing this on my blog!
Peace to you all!
Tamara
Well said Tamara. It’s not an easy task looking within but it’s necessary to remove the cobwebs of old beliefs, etc. Began this process last year and its a process but when I look in the mirror now I don’t see the same person. 🙂 It’s a wonderful experience – and yet it can be a bit tiring too.
Here’s the link to my post: https://onbecomingalemonademaker.wordpress.com/2017/02/09/loving-ourselves-means-we-dont-put-ourselves-always-last/
Thanks for the share!
I was just interviewed (along with 7 coaches) for a self love summit. Im still waiting for the link so people can tune into the talks. The summit was a great reminder to love ourselves, be our own beloved. ❤
Synchronicity, my friend, at its best. I read a few other blogs highlighting self love too. Can’t wait to listen in to your interview. 💕
Rumi he does always touch my heart 🙂
great thoughts ….
I’m a huge fan of Rumi myself. Thanks for commenting Charvi.
Me too 🙂
Nice meeting you
So often we forget about the relationship we have with ourselves. Our body, mind and spirit are all relationships we are called to cherish and take care of.
Thanks for this important reminder.