Love Is In The Air

When it comes to love, there are no rules. Or are there? There is the saying that all is fair in love and war? Is that true and is that right?

There is a golden rule from the Bible about love. The first is to love God, then love your neighbours as you love yourself.

Many people read this and see ‘loving God and neighbours’ and they completely miss the part that says you should love your neighbours as you love yourself. There is a place in this golden rule for you so you don’t need to feel over-looked.

There’s a place for self-love and self-care but there’s absolutely no place for self-obsession.

So how do you love yourself?

Love yourself by understanding your identity

Until you know who you belong to and how your Creator sees you, you can’t truly love yourself in the way that you deserve.

Do you think you were created in love and this is regardless of whether or not your birth was planned by your earthly parents?

Personally I believe I was created in and for love, that my creator wanted me here so I must bring Him some joy and pleasure otherwise there would be no point for my existence.

I love this quote from Lauren Eden which says, ‘When you are not fed love on a silver spoon you learn to lick it off knives’.

This is so true. Until you understand how you’re truly loved by your Creator, any love will do. And some of those who will claim to love you will lead you down destructive paths or cause you to walk away from your values, beliefs and passions.

Accept yourself

No one will accept you until you’ve learnt to accept yourself – warts and all.

There’s no burden or pressure to be good enough. Anyone who makes you feel like you have to be someone else before they fully embrace you have no place in your life.

This is not an excuse not to work on yourself. We are designed to grow and that’s why we don’t stay at the same point. What is acceptable from a child isn’t acceptable from an adult so there’s an expectation on us to grow in the application of wisdom as we grow in age.

But you don’t have to live a lie either.

Love yourself by setting boundaries

What boundaries have you set in place that define what you will allow or disallow in your life? How well do you stick to your boundaries?

I made a decision years ago about the things that I would allow and disallow in my relationships and friendships and that includes my right to say ‘No’ or to disagree with another person’s opinion.

Anna Taylor puts it nicely in a quote that says, ‘Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept’.

Hold yourself accountable

Love isn’t a free pass. I see too many people hate themselves on account of how they look but their choices contribute to what they hate.

So if I’m struggling with my weight, personal wellbeing or energy level but I keep choosing foods that make me worse just because I love the taste, then I ought to do something about that.

Some people find it easier to look down on themselves rather than make the needed changes and that’s a cop-out.

This also applies to your emotional and mental health. If there are friendships and relationships that bring you down rather than building you up, then exercise your right to walk away.

Also if you are not making choices that will take your life in the right direction, don’t blame anyone else. Take responsibility.

Nurture yourself

For me this is about taking care of the whole person – spirit, soul and body. Make choices that nurture all parts of your mental, physical and emotional health.

Adequate rest, healthy diet and exercise should be part of your norm. Feed your mind, and connect with your Creator, family and friends. Be more mindful as you go through life.

Thanks for reading and sharing this post with others.