Top 5 Reasons to Start Loving Ourselves

     There is something important I've been thinking about for quite a few weeks now and that is the subject of love. Not necessarily the love of a husband or wife, or a boyfriend and girlfriend (although I've been thinking about that kind of love, too, but we'll explore that in a different post). Rather, I'm talking about the love of oneself.  

     Everyone in this world has a natural desire to be loved by someone, and to love someone in return. Humanity seems to be programmed with this need to be loved. No matter who we are, how old we may be, or our position in life; deep down we have that God-given need to feel loved. It is simply a part of what makes us human.

     

    However, it is a sad truth that although everyone wants to feel loved, not everyone actually, truly feels it. There are some who may even believe that they are unlovable, and to me that is the most tragic feeling of all. What do you think when you see yourself in the mirror? Do you like what you see? Do you love who you see? Ultimately, that feeling of much-needed love needs to start within us.

     This is important, because when we love ourselves, it opens the doors to many possibilities in our lives. What do I mean? Well, while I've been studying and thinking on this subject, I've put together what I believe to be the top five reasons why we should start loving ourselves. Let me explain:

     Loving ourselves is the first step in loving others. When we have that belief that, yes we are a good person and we deserve to be loved (because we do) that is when we can say: “Alright, I deserve love, and so do you.” We start to cherish ourselves, and in doing so we cherish and value others. But we cannot have strong bonds, relationships, and friendships with other people or loved ones without first having one with ourselves.   

     When we really, truly love ourselves we become our own biggest fan. So even if every other person in our lives is against us, if we believe in ourselves that becomes enough drive to keep us going. Our dreams and aspirations become attainable when we are on our own side, encouraging ourselves in our endeavors. You'd be surprised how empowering that can be!

     When we love ourselves and have a strong understanding of who we are as a person, it sets the stage for us to explore our individuality and to have a firm footing in the world. We no longer feel we have to compare ourselves to someone, or to live up to any certain forms of criticism because when we know who we are, we like ourselves the way we are already, and we don't need to change. 

  

    In loving who we are and being comfortable in our own skin, it can give us a sense of security. If we love ourselves as we already are, we no longer have to work to change ourselves to fit anyone else's standards. We have the security we need to be a strong individual. We can stand out from the crowd without any fear of rejection because, essentially, we have not rejected ourselves.  

     Finally, by loving ourselves we can shed light on the world we live in. Not only are we seeing ourselves from a different point of view, but we also start seeing everyone else through the lens of this new-found love. By loving ourselves we can improve our self-worth, value, and our self-esteem. It is not conceited to love or value ourselves; it is enriching, fulfilling, and can improve our quality of life as a whole.  

    Below I've listed some wonderful articles, books, and scriptures on how to go about loving yourself, receiving emotional healing, and the benefits of living a positive life. They are all really helpful, and I encourage you to check them out:

• Remember This the Next Time You Hate How You Look
• Loving God, Yourself & Others
• Get Over Yourself
• Beauty from Ashes
• Love Out Loud: 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself and Loving Others

• Mark 12:31
• Deuteronomy 6:5
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
• Psalm 139:13-15
• Ephesians 2:10
• Deuteronomy 31:6
• 1 Samuel 16:7

     There are, of course, many other benefits to loving ourselves, and I may explore them more in the future. Nevertheless, I hope this article has been encouraging; if so feel free to comment below. As always, have a great weekend and God bless =)

Love Knows no Distance

DISCLAIMER: this post is going out to every long distance relationship couple who may be laying awake in bed at night thinking about their significant other. Who may be wondering: "Is it still worth it?" Who have either just said goodbye or are looking forward to the next time you'll see each other again.

Army, 

Military, 

Navy, 

Air Force, 

College students, 

High school sweethearts,

Any couple separated by miles or time zones...

    It is the most difficult thing to be in love with someone you can't be with in person every day of your life. It's hard to celebrate the holidays or birthdays, to be with family, to watch new movies or experience new things, and to always have that little part of your heart aching to be with that special someone. Maybe you're wondering:

• "What are they doing right now?"

• "When will we get to see each other again?"

• "Are they thinking of me, too?"

• Maybe some of you are even wondering: "Will they make it home safely?"

     If someone really, truly loves you, distance becomes a hindrance not a deal-breaker. It's hard (very hard) but it can make for a stronger relationship, and it's worth it in the end. It says in the Bible that love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres:

     And according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to 'persevere' is to continue on "in spite of" difficulties. So if you truly love each other, you can overcome the distance.

   There are some good things that can come from distance, like stronger communication skills, love letters, and a deeper understanding of your love for one another. With technology, now, our loved ones may just be a text message or a video call away. So, although the days until you see each other again can feel like an eternity, at least technology can bring you a little closer.

    I would just like to encourage you, if you're in a long distance relationship right now, to stay strong and keep fighting because any love worth the miles is worth striving for together. Although it's never an easy thing to go through, it's important to remember that being separated is only for a season. After all, true love always finds a way!

Staying Positive

     In today's world, it can be hard to think positively. When we're trying to push through difficult times, and we keep hitting roadblocks, it can just get us down. We get discouraged, tired, or downhearted. That is when we are vulnerable, and the negative thoughts can sneak into our minds.

     But one of the many things that college has taught me, (among time-management skills, and that coffee can be one's best friend) is that you cannot accomplish anything without a positive attitude. Because our outlook on life can either help us or hinder us; it is much easier to combat the lies of the devil with a positive outlook.

   

    This situation we may be in does not have to cast negativity upon our lives. Even if everything feels like it is going wrong, there are still some blessings to be found. If you woke up this morning that, at least, is a blessing. We are going to have highs and lows in life, but they are temporary; it's important to remember that this is just a season.

    So, as we go into this upcoming weekend, let's take a moment to evaluate the way we've been thinking about things, and let's make an effort to start putting a positive spin on our thoughts.

#HappyWeekend y'all =)

You are Worthy

DISCLAIMER: This is dedicated to every person who has ever felt that you have no value. To every young woman who ever stood on a scale and criticized herself. To every young man who has been shot down, and now you're scared to try again. To every child being bullied, or pushed aside, and ignored.

Yes, you! Do you know what that means? 

    According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word worthy is defined as:

     So based on that definition, you are a good person, and you deserve to be respected, praised, and to be considered important! Furthermore, you are valuable, and worthy. 

    Now sometimes it can be difficult to feel like we do deserve something, or that we are worthy. Maybe we've been told our whole lives that we aren't good enough, or smart enough, or that we have no talent. Maybe we've been made to feel like a waste of space, that we cause too much trouble, that we could never amount to anything important. Not only does this break down the will and the spirit, but it hurts our self-esteem and hinders us when it comes to seeing what we are truly worth.     

    But according to the Bible, God does not see us this way. He sees us completely different than how the world may see us. It says:

    So based on these scriptures, not only are you worthy, you are created as God's handiwork, in His own image, and He knew you before you were even born! He chose YOU, out of everyone and everything He made; He chose you and HE LOVES YOU. If you ask me, that is something pretty special.  

Remember:

I Just want to Say; Thank You

Hey y'all,

    I didn't realize this account was still so active until I checked it a little while ago, and to find there has been so much activity really surprised (and delighted) me!

    My life has changed so much since the time I stopped writing on here that I feel like a new person, and I'm sure my posts are going to sound different now. Maybe I'll write and explain what happened, but for now...

    As for the continuation of this website, I'll start posting again since you're all still reading. I have some new ideas and new content that I really want to share with you. I'm excited, and looking forward to future posts and connecting =)

    Anyways, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and God bless you all! 

Sincerely,
Me =)