There are many who struggle with self-esteem. We are often taught that we must do everything we can to help others, but in all the service we give we somehow loose ourselves.

Loving others is very important, but loving yourself is even more important. You must take the time to treat yourself well. This isn’t selfishness. You can think of it as time to energize and recharge. If you are constantly giving to others and not giving to yourself, you eventually run out of things to give. In order to take care of your responsibilities, you must take care of yourself.

Not too long ago, I started getting a cold. I ignored this and started doing lots of work for my job and additional things around the house. My husband kept telling me to rest because I was sick, but I’m stubborn and wouldn’t listen. Eventually I got so sick that I couldn’t do anything. This is because I didn’t take care of myself when I started getting sick. My sickness lasted longer than it probably otherwise would’ve. I was trying to do everything I could for everyone in my family, but I wasn’t doing anything for me. Because of this I ended up unable to do anything for anybody.

Take time to do things you enjoy. You need time to relax and unwind. Doing things you enjoy, like hobbies, helps you develop as a person. It also brings joy into your life.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self criticism. I’m as guilty of it as the next person. Try to notice the good things you do each day and pay less attention to the things you get wrong. We are usually a lot harder on ourselves than others. If you do something you think is a mistake consider how you would react if someone else had done it. Try to treat yourself just as good.

Remember that you are loved by friends and family. Remembering that others love you can help you love yourself. If you need to, you can ask a friend or family member what they like about you. If your friends and family are anything like mine you won’t get a serious answer at all, but you can always ask and see what happens.

In the New Testament a young man approaches Jesus and asks what he needs to do to gain eternal life. Part of the answer Christ gives him is, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 19:19) This statement implies that you must love yourself first. How can you truly love anyone else if you can’t love yourself?

As your love for yourself grows, you will notice that it’s easier for you to truly love the people around you. AS this happens your life will be filled with more and more joy.

Photo by Savannah Grandfather.

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