I have always believed that the most important relationship we have in life is the one we have with ourselves. Friendships, romantic partners, and even family may come and go. However, we will always be left looking at our own reflections in the mirror. Do you like what you see?
There is also the idea that you cannot love someone else until you love yourself. It’s like being on airplane when they tell you in case of an emergency, refrain from assisting others with their oxygen mask until your own is fully secured. But why do we find this concept so challenging? Why is it so much harder for us to be kind to ourselves than it is to be kind to others?
Be Kind To Yourself
It is so easy for us to get bogged down with constant self-criticism, feelings of guilt, and self-destructive behaviors. But it is important to treat ourselves with the same care and compassion that we would show our loved ones. Approaching ourselves with love and curiosity as we grow and evolve is so powerful. Being kinder to ourselves ultimately allows us to be more patient and authentic with others. Often, people fear that being gentler and kinder toward themselves would translate as being lazy or selfish. In actuality, we tend to learn more from a place of love and safety rather than from shame and judgment.
Self-Awareness Is Key To Self-Care
First, we must become aware of how we speak to ourselves and silencing our critical inner voice. We must start reflecting on our experiences and validating our own feelings while working on new and loving ways of talking to ourselves. We can also begin recognizing what brings us joy and learn to express gratitude. Learning to be intentional about the words we use with ourselves involves catching ourselves when we speak or think in a way that is putting ourselves down or
beating ourselves up and starting to use kinder and gentler wording.
Finally, allow yourself to let go of people who don’t encourage you to love yourself and who don’t enhance your own personal growth. You don’t necessarily have to excise those people entirely from your life, but don’t allow their opinions to carry so much weight. You can be a sensitive and caring person without carrying other people’s emotional baggage and negativity.
Self-Care Is An Ongoing Journey
Have patience with yourself. Creating a healthy relationship with yourself, just as in creating a great relationship with anyone else in your life, is not a one-time thing. What is one small step you can take today toward creating a more loving and supportive relationship with yourself? And remember that you are a person who is worthy and deserving of kindness and compassion from others, but most importantly yourself.
Begin Working With A Therapist in Marietta, GA
If you are going through a hard time and are in need of counseling, please consider reaching out to a qualified therapist. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to offer support with in-person and online services from our Marietta, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Reach out to talk to a Marietta therapist.
Have your first appointment at Remain Connected.
Learn how to care for yourself in a healthy way.
Other Services Offered at Remain Connected Counseling
Our team knows you may experience more self-care issues. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services including teen therapy, anxiety treatment, and EMDR therapy. In addition, we also offer life transitions therapy and depression counseling, and more all under a Christian counseling lens. By using online therapy, these services are available to anyone in Georgia. Learn more about our team of dedicated therapists and contact us for more information.
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