Let us consider a loving relationship among two people.

What are some outcomes of such a relationship?

• They bring the best in each other
• They attempt to reduce pain and stress in each other
• They listen to each other
• They enjoy being together
• They forgive each other
• They show love in action
• They do not blame each other
• They respect each other

Now if you love yourself, shouldn't the above outcomes be present for you as well?

• Do you bring the best in you?
  • How often are you angry or worried during the day?
  • How often do you feel joy and smile?

• Do you attempt to reduce pain and stress in you?
  • Do you take time to meditate or relax?
  • Do you take care of your needs?
  • Do you eat the food that nurtures you?
  • Do you draw a boundary on how much people and outside events may trigger you?

• Do you listen to and acknowledge your needs and feelings?

• Do you enjoy being by yourself?
  •  Are you busy all the time?
  • Is sitting silent with yourself a torture?

• Do you forgive yourself and others? 
  • Remember if you stay angry, the first person that feels the anger is you

• Do you show your love by action?
  • Do you buy yourself a gift with joy or you only do it for other people?
  • Do you try to reduce pain in others while yourself is in pain?
  • Do you ridicule or diminish what you feel?

• Do you blame everything on others?
  • Blame only takes your power away and puts you at mercy of the behavior of others.

• Do you respect yourself?

When we love ourselves, we can love others freely and with much more ease.

Copyright .2020 by Shervin Hojat