Ok, so that George Thorogood song is stuck in my head now. How about yours? Forget George Thorogood. I'm talking about who you really love. Especially around Valentine's Day, we think about and celebrate those we love with flowers, candy, dinner and other romantic gifts. While some people hate it, others love, love, love it.
If you think about it, we can be pretty quick to profess our love for all kinds of things. "I love you, honey." "I love my mom," "I love to travel." "I love those shoes!" Love can take many forms, and we hand it out generously.
But one place we tend to skimp in the love department is with one very special person: ourselves. Instead, we are often our own harshest critic.
And what happens when we're self-critical? We can lose our self-confidence (not coincidentally the Victory Circles Master Mind Principle for February). You might have heard of negative self-talk? Well, this is a great example.
To get a handle on negative self-talk, start by making a more conscious effort to notice it. Yes, awareness is the first step. Then the next time you notice that inner critic coming down on you, just reply, "no thanks" and let it go.
Instead give yourself a break! One helpful perspective is to think about what you'd say to a friend who was being so hard on herself. Hmm. You'd probably be pretty supportive and empathic and try to do something to make her feel better. You'd be kind, gentle, loving and compassionate, wouldn't you?
Of course you would. And you can do that for yourself. Be kind, gentle, loving and compassionate to yourself. Now that's true love.
How do you make sure you're more compassionate and loving toward yourself? Share below if you're inclined or leave other thoughts or even a Valentine's Day wish.
Back to George Thorogood.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love, Gloria
