The Greatest Love of All

Once when I was in the midst of a big work crisis, I asked for a message to guide me. The message I received was, "Kathy, no matter what always love yourself."

To be honest, the message almost made me laugh - it seemed so random. My inner child said, "OK great - I'll work on that. Now can you give me something related to my problem?"

I know you already understand my error. Everything that is good starts with a strong foundation - it starts with self love.

We do a great job taking care of others. We are good at loving others and doing things for others. February is a great time to remember that we need to love and take care of ourselves.

Have you ever been on a plane and actually listened to the safety annnouncement at the beginning of the flight? When they get to the part about the oxygen mask - they advise us to put our own oxygen masks on before helping others. It's really very good advice. We must take care of ourselves in order to be of service to others.

So - breathe some fresh air into your being right now. (If you are at your computer or on your phone, perhaps you can start by releasing the tension from your shoulders and taking a deep breath. Look for simple things you can do to honor yourself.)

Make an effort to say nice things to yourself this week. Are there some sweet nothings you have been longing to hear? Start by saying them to yourself. What do you need to hear? What do you love about yourself? What do others value in you? Commit to saying positive things to yourself this week. Write it down in a love letter to yourself.

Make an effort to "treat" yourself this month. We often "treat" others with a piece of candy, a flower or a card. Perhaps there is something nice you can do for yourself. It might be a walk at the lake, some time in the garden or a hot bath. What is it for you? Do it.

How can you take better care of yourself this month? When we are well ~ we start with a strong foundation and are better able to take care of others. Pay special attention to yourself this month.

When we take time to love ourselves, we are better able to bring out the strengths in others.

© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on motivational programs.