Love Yourself First

Throughout the ages, the advice to love yourself first has prevailed. From Buddha to Eleanor Roosevelt; from Oscar Wilde to Rumi; from Hecaton of Rhodes to Dolly Parton, the advice has been the same.

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

Eleanor Roosevelt: “Friendship with one’s self is all-important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

Oscar Wilde: “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”

Rumi: “And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?”

Hecaton of Rhodes: “If you wish to be loved, love.”

Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

These bright people are not promoting a narcissistic love of self, but a healthy one with acceptance, patience, forgiveness and kindness — just like you would love a best friend, warts and all.

So, by loving yourself, accepting yourself, you become the person you want to be and others notice! Make yourself a priority! When things change inside you, things change around you.

I hope you enjoy this March 2024 Poem of the Month, and please remember, whatever the question, love is always the answer.

LOVE YOURSELF FIRST

Self-talk may be the culprit, the thing that holds you back
From living your best life, the one you would choose
If you knew that self-love is essential for loving others.
(True love starts with self-love; do not be confused.)

Mark Twain said it best when he penned these words:
“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.”
Befriend yourself first; other friendships will follow.
When you’ve learned this, it’s nothing short of a miracle.

You may have been criticizing yourself for years…
(And how has that worked for you? Probably not well.)
Try approving of yourself and see what happens:
You’ll have friends, you’ll be happy, and doubts will dispel.

We teach others how to think of us… (yes, we do)
By how we think of ourselves, don’t you know.
How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.
You’ve everything to gain — Come on, give it a go…

When you take care of yourself, you’re a better person for others.
You’re continually teaching others how to treat you.
When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better.
The exchange becomes natural… it’s what you do.

Self-love and love of others go hand in hand,
And, ultimately one cannot tell one from another.
Your relationship with yourself will set the tone
For all other relationships you might have. You’re the author.

Fall in love with yourself, It’s the first secret to happiness.
Be kind, be considerate; be your own best friend.
Self-care is giving the world the best of you
Instead of what is left of you in the end.