***Do You Love Yourself?

Learning to love yourself isn't easy - especially if you grew up in an environment that involved abuse, neglect, shame, or an emotionally dishonest atmosphere. Most people who experience self-love have had it planted as a seed by someone who accepted them unconditionally at a very early phase in their development. But even those fortunate enough to have had this experience, come to find that self-love must continue to evolve as the diversity of life's experiences are faced.

For those of us who have not had the seed of self-love planted . . . all is not lost! Self-love is our natural state. We can find our way back to our rightful state of being. Self-love is who and what we are - it is merely hidden unde
eath old patterns and limiting beliefs that disallow the love to seep through. Learning new patterns of allowing love involves 1) an awareness of what self-love is, and 2) practicing certain skills, self-affirming thoughts, and actions that lead to increasing your commitment to a happy, fulfilling life.

Definition of Self-LovenSelf-love is not so much a feeling as it is an absence of self-doubt and self-disapproval. It is a sense of balance and belonging. Respect, responsibility for self, and feeling good are important values. Self-love means that your well-being matters to yourself unconditionally and in practical terms. The following are some characteristics of self-loving people:

• Self-loving people tend to treat themselves well.
• They see fun and enjoyment as a primary goal most of the time.
• They do not remain in mistreatment by others.
• They are caring towards others - because it feels good to do so, not because they have to.
• They put themselves first. Even those they love are a "close second."n • They find a thought that feels good, and practice it.

Basic Principles of Self-Love:

• Who you are is more important than what you are.
• You are valuable. Nothing can change that.
• What you want always matters.

How Do You Know if Your Love Yourself?
Here are two simple ways to determine whether you love yourself:

1. Mirror, mirror on the wall . . .
The next time you are looking into a mirror, look DEEP into your own eyes.

Notice how you feel in your body as you say "I love you."
Is the statement true - or does it seem as if you are lying to yourself?

Next, notice what you see:
Self-loving people tend to see themselves as a whole person when they look into a mirror. They LIKE what they see overall, despite their flaws.

Other people tend to see either themselves as "parts" (too wide hips, fat stomach, big nose, pretty hair, etc.). They tend to see aspects of their appearance, which they like or dislike, and dismiss the whole of themselves.

2. The Sudden Mirror . . .
When you accidentally see your reflection in a storefront window, what is your immediate reaction? If you met this person on the street, would you LIKE them?

Self-love is a life-long jou
ey of gaining confidence and joy in many different areas of your life. Follow these tips to create a healthy self-love and reenergize your commitment to happiness.