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 =)

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:

Six Reasons to Smile

If you are hurting today, if you feel like there just isn't enough good things in life, or that you're not strong enough to make it. Then this post is for you.


Today is a good day and this life is a good life. There are ups and downs, laughs and tears, happiness and sorrow, but if you look hard enough you can always find at least one reason to smile!! So if you need a reason today here is a list of six things that I've come up with that'll hopefully make you grin =) 

*

 
1. If you go outside and look up at the sky, no matter where you are, the sun is up there in space smiling down on you. Whether or not you can see it through the clouds. And it will come out in due time, just wait!!

2. Did you know you're an amazing person? Why yes, yes you are and don't let anyone tell you otherwise ;)

3. Whatever dream you have, you should follow it with all your heart. No matter what anyone says, give yourself a chance. Because you deserve it and you can do anything!! 

4. You're strong. Even if you don't feel like it, you are. Whatever you're going through right now you have the strength to face it and handle it.

5. When you think you can’t go one more step, when you think you can’t take one more hit, please know this: you are capable and you will make it!! Your circumstances may be difficult now but this shall pass and you will come out stronger and better on the other side.          

6. There is a God in Heaven who loves you so very much that He sent His only Son to die in your place. You are loved and appreciated and cherished. You're so special!! 

 

 

There is always a reason to smile =)

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

    Want to know a secret? Sometimes, I stand in front of my bathroom mirror and all I see are the things that I hate about myself. It's like my imperfections just jump out at me and I'm like: "Oh gosh, does everyone see this, too?" and then these hurtful thoughts start running through my head and it makes me really sad.

    I don’t know, perhaps I'm the only one who does this. Or maybe we've all felt insecure about ourselves at sometime, or have been convinced of things about ourselves that aren’t true. Tell me, do others' opinions ever make you feel like this?:

I shouldn’t smile; crooked teeth need to be hidden.

Scars are ugly; skin needs to be flawless.

I’m not hungry; my waist band says so.

I should wear makeup; flaws must be covered up.
 I should wear contacts; glasses make me look weird.
 

    Why do we put so much pressure on how we look? I mean, we're meant to be snowflakes, not Barbie and Ken dolls; we aren't all made from the same mold! We look like us, unique and imperfectly perfect. We have frizzy hair, zits, braces and freckles; we don't look like the models in the magazines. And that's okay!

 

   Why would we want to? We shouldn't have to measure up to anyone else's standards. We shouldn’t be judged by what number is on the tag of our clothes or the color of our eyes, our skin, or our hair. Please forget what they've said; their words do not determine you. The truth is you look awesome just the way you are and that's fact!
 

    We shouldn’t judge ourselves, either. Why do we stare at our reflections and criticize every little thing? We don't deserve that! We should love the person in the bathroom mirror; that person looks great just the way (s)he is!

*

So to the girl hiding her smile:

Go ahead and grin, princess,

You never know who might fall in love with it.

*

To the kid who hates his glasses:

You know what, handsome?
Clark Kent and Peter Parker wore glasses, too.

*

To the young woman who hates her body:

Don’t listen to what the scale says, sweetheart,

It does not weigh your worth; you're beautiful the way you are.

 *
 

    Let’s stop judging and hating how we look. We only have one body and it's perfect just the way it is! So the next time you walk by a mirror, why don't you stop and take a look at yourself, find three beautiful truths about you, and give yourself a smile. And remember:

 

 

There is Nothing Wrong with Us

Words can really hurt. Tell me, do you ever think like this sometimes?

There is nothing special about me.
I look weird.
I'm fat.
I'm boring.
Nobody would want to spend time with me.
No one could ever love a person like me.
I can't do anything right.

Or maybe you ask questions like this?

Why am I so strange?

Why am I so different?

Is there something wrong with me?

*

    Sometimes, we hear these kind of lies whispered deep inside us, or maybe we hear them from the people around us like our classmates, our peers, or bullies. Even though we try to hide from them, a little part of us starts to wonder if they might be right and these lies begin to tear us down inside. We start to dislike or even hate ourselves and we begin to think like this: 



I wish I looked like her or was as thin as her.
I wish I could wear those clothes.
I wish I could dance like her.
I wish I could sing like him.
I wish I could do what they can do.
I wish I were better...
I wish I were smarter...
I wish I was someone else...

*

    Those lies can really hurt, they do damage, even though they are only words. They should be harmless, but they aren't, and the more we hear them the more we start to believe them. But the thing is, none of it is true! We really, really need to hear the truth about ourselves. We need to answer the questions which all those lies press upon us like: "what's wrong with me?" Well...

   

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

There is nothing wrong with the way we are!

    Did you know that there is Someone who loves you, right now, just as you are? Yep, with every quirk, every freckle, and every scar! He loves you with the lines around your lips, the acne on your face, your voice, your laugh, your weight, your height... Jesus Christ loves it all.

He says in Jeremiah 31:3

“…I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

This is what He thinks of you:



You are special.
You are made perfectly.
You are beautiful.
You are exciting.
People want to spend time with you.
I love you very much.
You can do anything.

 

 

You are unique!

You are perfectly made!

There is nothing wrong with you!

You don't need to look like her; you're beautiful the way you are.
You look great in those clothes.
You can dance how you want to dance.
You can sing how you want to sing.
You can do what you want to do.
I wish you loved yourself how I love you.
I wish you believed in yourself like I believe in you.
You are exactly who I made you to be!

And that's the truth about beautiful you.

   

    The words and opinions of jealous or mean people shouldn’t destroy the beautiful souls we have been made to be. I felt compelled to post about this subject because this kind of abuse and bullying is abundant and it is wrong. We shouldn't feel guilty for being ourselves. The Lord made us each unique; we are who we are and we are awesome, just the way we are!

    Here's a link (below) to one of my favorite music videos by Britt Nicole. It has an amazing message about being happy with who you are, because who you are, is truly an amazing person. I hope you'll check it out!

"Gold" by Britt Nicole:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9PjrtcHJPo

Keep smiling! J

 

You are You

Original artwork by: Megan Finsel

You are who you are that is something no one can take,

It’s encoded, preprogrammed; you are what you make,

Yourself to be, so go all the way!

Cause it’s in the strands of your DNA!

You’re creative, outgoing, artistic, quirky, chic…

Passionate, strong, adventurous, sporty, unique…

The thumbprint of your personality equips,

You to be the “you” that you should be,
After all, that truth is already at your fingertips,
It's woven with your originality!

Want more artwork? Click here

The Truth of the Olympian Spirit within You

Heyu,

    Did you know that, within you, there is a place where all your possibilities reside?

    You already contain the potential for success; you already have that utter greatness and that special inner strength you need deep inside! You already have all the makings to be the person you long to be, you simply have to find it.

    Reach for it!

    Dig deeper!

    Until you uncover it and discover those possibilities within you.

    Those dreams you've buried? You can revive them. Those ambitions you've tamed? You can unleash them.

    Because, inside you there is that Olympian spirit, just longing for the gold, and longing to let your dreams take hold. But you will never know for sure, unless you try to find it.

Ready or not,
Why don’t you just give it a shot?

J

Sticks and Stones

To the kid in the back who hates his glasses...
To the girl who doesn't smile to hide her teeth...
To the quiet boy afraid of his lisp...
To anyone who has ever been picked on, mistreated or judged…

This is for you

They call us nerds, dorks, weirdoes, oddballs, and outcasts; but they don't really know us. They shun us, despise us, hurt us, threaten, beat, embarrass and scorn us. But they need to take the time to see the truth. You can't judge a book by its cover! So why judge a person by what you see on the outside? It says nothing about what's going on within us!

Because, that kid: you have nice eyes!

That girl: you have a beautiful smile!
That quiet boy: you have a great personality!
And to all of you who have been ridiculed someway, somehow: you're amazing just the way you are.

And they’ll wish they had seen it.

    You shouldn't be afraid to be yourself; you shouldn't have to hide the true you. So don’t let their words chain you, don’t let their opinions bring you down, because those are lies.  

This is the truth about beautiful you:

What they call your "disability",

Does not determine your ability.

And what they say is your imperfection,

Helps to make you perfect in your own way.

There is no mold you have to fit,

No one you have to please.

Simply be yourself,

That’s all you need to be!

If you've been bullied (like so many of us have, in one way or another) this message is for you. Go ahead and leave a comment, we're listening to you©

 

J

A Bird, a Cage and the Key

So many times the lies of the world suppress and degrade us; they chastise and make labels. They say we're not good enough, or pretty enough, or talented enough; unable. Then we start to think: maybe they're right, maybe it's true... and, suddenly, your fears become a cage surrounding you.

    Your dreams stay hidden beneath your skin and you lock your talents deep within. You settle for less, thinking you could never be the best, and wonder: why should I even try? I can't fly.

No.

You are not a bird in a cage; your wings are not clipped! The Truth is your key, so spread your wings and go meet your destiny.

But, looking at those bars, I fear the words they say.

However, those lies are not the real you they portray!

But they said...
Well, why care?

How will they see your potential if you never share?

You love to dance? Then dance! You love to sing? Child, please, let yourself take wing!

Don't let anything hold you down,

Don't let your feet stay here trapped on the ground.
Don't let their lies become your gravity,
Be the true you and then the whole world will see,
You are all you need to be!
 
 

J

B.Tru.2.U.nique

It's that moment

when the clicks and trendsetters slam the door in your face

 and suddenly you find yourself standing on the outside

looking in on a world you feel you’ll never fit into.

 Yeah, you try, 
                          but it doesn't matter if you iron your curly hair,

or use makeup to cover up your scars and blemishes...

No matter how hard you try to look like them,

you feel like you still stick out!

And, suddenly, you’re scared to be who you really are on the inside, outside.

BUT

Isn’t the whole idea of being individual people to be just that: individuals?
Not carbon copies.
Originals!

 

After all we have a right to express and exercise our individuality!

You know...

If we all just accepted ourselves the way we are

 

And why do we care so much about what they think of us?

Why does their criticism matter anyways?

 

After all

The only person you should be is

You!

The Truthful Art of Beautiful You

You were created special;
Down to every hair, every lash, and every freckle.
Your personality is more colorful than a painter’s palette,
Unique, magnifique, you're the best the Artist has dreamt of yet!
He envisioned you, He sketched you, and at last He stepped back and said:

“Critiques will judge you and the World may smudge you,
yet to Me you are a masterpiece.

Beautiful you are, an art show star, and you're at last complete.”

J

The Truth about the Beauty in You

Hey girls, can I tell you something?

    Beauty isn't what we think it is.
    I know how it feels to be standing in the back wondering, “Do they notice? Can they see?” and I tried everything to hide the real me.

    We all do it, we try to disguise our crooked smiles, our blemishes, and our scars; because we’re afraid to show who we really are. We agonize: will they like me? Can they see? And worry: “if they really knew, they wouldn’t accept me.”

    But we’ve got it all wrong! Because true beauty is not what’s reflected in the mirror, and it's not in the lies we always hear. All those magazines and worldly things saying: "you should to look this way". Ignore them, for it's not true beauty which they portray.

    Maybe you’re in the corner hiding behind that phony grin. You’ve tried everything you can to cover up, to look thin. But you need to realize it's not what's on the outside that matters, it’s what’s shining bright within! You’re beautiful the way you are, down to every tooth and nail and scar. You don’t have to try so hard, and you don’t have to feel so marred.
    So to every girl today who thinks she looks more like a duckling than a swan, please know, your beauty radiates from inside you, so go ahead and let it show!

J

Instead,

It should be that of your inner self,

The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

For this is the way the holy women of the past,

who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

1 Peter 3:4-5

J

B.Tru.2.U.rself

Ooooookay, I’ve been thinking lately and I have a question for you: 

How often do you hide your true personality?

How many times do you cover your smile

or change your outfit cause you’re scared of others’ opinions?

How often do you try to “fit in”?

(Alright, so I have three questions for you, lol)

This is something that’s just been on my heart lately. I know what it's like, I’ve been there, when you feel like you have to change yourself into something you're not just so you can fit in. It's hard when you're left on the outside looking in on a world you long to be a part of... but then again it's even harder to try and hide the person you are so you can be on the inside, too.

I say enough!

  We must be true to who we are,

and stop trying to be something we aren't,

and start honoring the things that make us unique.

We are all different for a reason, I mean, no one tells the snowflakes they all have to match! It’s time to

be true to ourselves,

our personalities,

and everything that makes us beautiful.

 

What about you?

I know I can't be the only one who's ever felt like they should change themselves, or been in a situation where you're suddenly left standing on the outside looking in. If you've ever been the "new kid", an outcast, or can relate to this dilemma in any way, I'd like to know: what do you think?

J

A Truthful Secret

    Hey you.
    Yah, you, guess what!
    I have a secret to share and I can't wait to tell you. Are you listening? And remember this is totally, one hundred present, absolutely, positively, true. Ok?
    Alright here it is:

You're perfect just the way you are!

    Hey now, what's that?
    You said: "yeah right" and rolled your eyes!
    What's wrong?
    Oh, I see, you're used to them saying: "you're strange because you're not like me". Well that's not true. You are perfect just the way you are (yes you) even with all your quirks and all the different things you do.

You know, it's your quirks that make you special,

it's what you do differently that makes you great!

    It's ok. Stop trying to change yourself, stop trying to rewrite perfection. Just go ahead, embrace your personality and be who you already are! Because you seem pretty great to me, and that's the truthful secret about beautiful you.

J