Love yourself!

We are created equal. None above us. None beneath us. Equal.

I believe each of us are created with intrinsic worth and value. I haven’t always felt love or worth for myself. I began taking steps to fully embrace this just a few years ago and my hope is that each of us begins the journey of embracing how much the Divine truly loves us.

“Love your neighbor” is a common saying that I’ve heard so often, especially in the South. On a flight, in my early twenties, when the airlines staff reminded us that in case of an in-flight emergency, we were to place our own oxygen mask on before helping others, I had an “aha” moment. I’d heard that sentence many times (been traveling since I was three months old, thank you Dad!) but until that moment, it hadn’t registered.

This was a Divine principle. St Mark, chapter 12, verse 31 (the Bible) states “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I have known this verse since childhood, but through the years, on several occasions, I heard people just say “love your neighbor”. The message I received was that I was to take care of those around me…anyone who needed my time or help. While that’s good, what I didn’t hear was the whole message. I didn’t hear anyone saying that I needed to first take care of myself. I didn’t see anyone model loving one’s self so that we can then best care for others, from a healthy space.  The truth is that I can only be as good to my neighbor as I am to myself.

Who are my neighbors? Everyone…those across the street and around our world – our fellow humans. It is imperative that I put my own oxygen mask on so that I can breathe…stabilize and then help my neighbors. Oxygen for me has looked different depending on the season of life.  Going to therapy, seeing a licensed professional counselor, journaling, practicing mindfulness, singing, dancing, walking, sitting in nature, meditating (on verses, lyrics, positive quotes), drawing, sketching and painting are some of the items on my oxygen list.

Today is Valentine’s Day! For me, it is a day to celebrate the love that bridges heaven and earth, the finite with the Infinite, love of one’s self, love of family, friends, significant others and our precious furry ones! Some of us make romantic relationships the focus of this day; I believe this keeps us from fully celebrating and loving ourselves as well as the many other relationships in our lives. This Valentine’s Day, romance or not, significant other or not, regardless of where we are on the journey, may we commit to love and care for ourselves well…give fully to ourselves the way we would to a friend…and enjoy this moment.

I AM loved by the Divine…and so are you, dear!

Common Day Hero: To all who feel pressured by family, friends, other circles (or your own mind) to quickly find a significant other or settle…Breathe. Rest. Love yourself well. I dedicate this post to you.