You deserve…

 “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha

Good morning! How easy it is to love another, and how hard it can be to love ourselves. We are often our own worst critic, holding ourselves to standards that no one else would. A few years ago, I learned an exercise from a therapist. It involved treating my failures, weaknesses and shortcomings as I would those of my daughter. What a revelation that was. I would never say the things to my child that I often say to myself when I make a mistake. While I would nurture and respect her, I often treated myself much differently.

Your Turn: Instead of criticizing your shortcomings and holding yourself to unrealistic standards, ask yourself how you would treat a friend who made a similar mistake or had a similar shortcoming. Offer yourself the same kindness for “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Today’s Affirmation: I, just as much as anybody in the universe, deserve love and affection.

 


Comments

You deserve… — 4 Comments

  1. I think this is a wonderful exercise. How would we treat a beloved friend or our child when we see their weaknesses or shortcomings? One of my core beliefs is that we are all moving and changing and dancing through our lives. I don’t need to stiffen in fear and judgment when my daughter does something I don’t like – because she will grow and change, just as we all do. I think I cling to my negative self talk out of the mistaken idea that if I don’t I won’t change. But I do! And negative self-talk is not the motivating factor. Gentleness with myself, love and affection – these help me get unstuck.

  2. Thank you! I really need this reminder. I was married to an abusive man for 13 years and it really shattered my self-esteem. I’ve been divorced for 2 years now, but my mind often tells me the same things he used to… I’m not good enough, I’m not worthy, etc.
    Everybody deserves love and affection. Even me!
    Have a great day everybody!

  3. how come i’m not getting my “Good Morning” anymore eventho i’m in your system to rec. them???

  4. Hi Kris… well.. um… the simple answer– I took several days off from programming for my daughter’s big 13th day bash and must have clicked a wrong button as the good mornings did not go out 🙁 Off to fix it now …. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*