Where Self-Love Begins

“Never forget that once upon a time, in an unguarded moment, you recognized yourself as a friend.”
- Elizabeth Gilbert

It's true that we are our own worst enemy, harder on ourselves than we are on others.

Is it because of our pain patterns? Do we have greater expectations for ourselves because we know what we're truly capable of? Have we allowed others to influence us and steer us away from our connection to ourselves?

I have a sneaking suspicion it's all of it.

But what if we spoke more kindly and compassionately to ourselves?

What if we allowed ourselves some forgiveness, some mercy, some grace?

What if we embraced ourselves the way we embrace others or wish others would embrace us?

What if we nurtured the child within who needs to do nothing more than try her best

Maybe that's when self-love really begins.

(This soul saying was originally published September 15, 2021 by Susan Dawn)