Remind Yourself

Today is a venting day.  We are all too hard on ourselves.  Hear me out.

As a society we are constantly seeking encouragement and affirmation.  We are in a consistent search for acceptance, love, and approval.  Is it natural? yes.  Will it ever cease? probably not.  But, it doesn't have to be the only thing we can depend on.  What do you love about yourself?  What are the identifiable characteristics about you?  What draws you to others?  Sometimes it is essential to provide ourselves with a reminder of what is so evident to everyone else.  Do we need the approval of others, or do we need the approval from ourselves first?

I think we miss the importance of realizing who we are and the natural potential we have.  Everyone is unique, so what is unique about you?  

At my job, we do groups with youth and we are always asking them to say positive things about themselves.  This can be very challenging.  They can rattle off all the negatives in the world, but to say " I like my smile, or I like my hair" is like pulling teeth.  The agony of searching for a positive word to say about themselves is dreadful and quite honestly emotionally exhausting, especially when I know what they are capable of and how special they really are.  Why is it this way?  Why is it so hard for us to love ourselves just the way we are?  

Today I challenge you to remind yourself of what you are good at and what you were put on this earth to do.  Are you a leader?  Are you creative?  Are you enthusiastic about life and every moment you are given?  Are you a good listener?  Do you love well?  What is it that makes you, you?  Find out because we all have a chance to prove to the world who we are and there is no more waiting.  Today is your day to start living and loving, not only others, but most importantly yourself.