Unconditional love
In this journey in life we often are called upon to love others
unconditionally. How does one do that? I feel it starts with loving
yourself unconditionally. Now about two years ago I made a commitment
to myself to be authentic. How is that connected with my journey in
learning to love myself? Well, it is definitely the first step in
loving myself. I had to ask myself if I placed conditions on myself of
how I would behave to be able to receive my own self love? Of course I
did, some times my expectations were not apparent but they were there.
I would love myself when I lost ten pounds. I would love myself when I
succeeded in my business. I would love myself when you fill in the
blanks. I am sure you have a lot of those expectations of yourself in
your life too.
Next I had to take the risk to be open and vunerable to who I really
was with no preset expectations and still unconditionally love myself.
This took getting to know myself in a whole new way. It meant loving
the dark and light sides of me. We all have dark sides but it sure was
easier not to look at the dark side. Then I was suppose to love the
dark things I saw in myself, yeah sure. That took a bit of doing but
with practice one decision at a time I am doing it. I can also say at
this point that it is not easy but it is getting easier everyday.
I had to learn to love myself because I existed not because of what I
do or how I behave. I began to allow myself to be who I was not what
others expected me to be. In short I began to show warmth, caring and
concern for myself. It is always easier to overlook others faults and
forgive them for not living up to my expectations but it was harder
with myself as I am my own worst critic.
Now I am still working on these issues daily many of the expectations I
have for myself are not rational. They are filled with perfectionism
and I will love myself when. But I am learning to love myself for just
who I am. This has cause a real change for me in my self esteem and
self worth. Because I love and approve of myself I now am able to take
full responsibility for all my actions. I can now accept the rewards of
being me and the consquences. This feels really good. Loving yourself
unconditionally frees you to unconditionally love everyone else in
your life.
About the Author
About the Author: Judi Singleton publishes To The Universe a list of
Jassmine's Journal you can join this list or any of her other lists at
http://www.motherearthpublishing.com