Loving on Me is a lifestyle – an everyday intention to love you more!
Yesterday I was invited to speak and sell books at the monthly meeting of a local mom’s club. The theme of their meeting was loving yourself more and as I walked in the room my heart overflowed with joy. Affirmations from Loving on Me were hanging all around the room.
I am enough
I am powerful
I am free
I am Loving on Me
It was so beautiful how they had taken the messages and made them their own. I silently thanked God for the privilege of sharing those powerful words.
Leading up to the event I had noodled over what to say to this group of busy moms, who like many of us have demanding careers, are heavily involved in their community, and are passionately committed to their families. I was originally going to go with the busy mom’s mantra – highlighting the words to feed your soul as you zealously serve others. But as I gazed around the room I realized they didn’t need the affirmations. What was missing were the actions they could take to love themselves a little more each day.
In fact, that’s what I needed to remind myself of too. Because as I try to figure out this whole business of being an author, I can quickly fall into the trap of busy-ness. Berating myself when I don’t do enough to promote the book could be my new favorite pastime were it not for the last few years I’ve spent learning how to live without limits. Now when I feel those feelings of insecurity and guilt trying to creep up and take control I squash them with a generous helping of grace, and then ease on down the road.
For me, this has been the most beautiful part of the Loving on Me journey. You see when I started out I was under the impression that learning to love you would somehow cure you of your insecurities. But the truth is, it doesn’t. Instead it allows you to see your struggles in a whole new light, so that you can face your fears in faith and successfully keep moving forward.
The secret is to marry our affirmations with actions. Speaking words that reaffirm our worth is how we shift our thinking from what’s wrong in our life to what’s right about us. This is the key that unlocks the cell that has mentally enslaved us in an endless cycle of minimizing our self-worth. But this is only the first step. If we truly want to be free, we have to make choices that will change our world.
We often forget that real love requires action. Whether it’s loving God, yourself, or others, words are empty rhetoric without actions to support them. That’s why Loving on Me has three parts – shifting our thinking, changing what we say to our selves, and acting in our own best interest right now. Not tomorrow, or when it’s convenient, or when you have time – it’s using the time you have everyday to put your love for you in action just a little more. How do we do that? Here’s some ideas that have worked for me …
Say no to what’s not in your best interest so you can say yes to what really matters. Be empowered.
Stop beating yourself up about not giving those you love enough time. Instead be fully present in the time you have, making each moment count. Release guilt.
Quit worrying about what might happen. Focus on what is and what you can do now. Give the rest to God. Have faith.
Throw the timeline for your success out the window and enjoy the journey. Practice patience.
Give yourself permission to relax and have fun. Choose happiness.
These are just a few examples of practical things we can do that make a huge difference over time. What would you add to the list?
Listen, life can get real creative in giving us reasons to feel bad about ourselves. We need to be equally inventive in reminding our selves of our value and worth. So take a few moments to think of some easy ways you can love you more. Jot them down in your journal so you remember them, and occasionally take a look back to see if you’ve put any in action. Don’t give up if it takes a little longer than you’d like to change your behavior. After all this is your Loving on Me journey and it’s okay to give yourself some grace.
Wherever you’re starting from, and whatever pace you’re traveling – it is enough!
Hugs and Love ♥
CarlieCarpio says
Remembering that it’s okay to be human. Having compassion for ourselves as well as others.
katrinamcghee says
Yes, I love that Carlie! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Clarice says
An interesting write up. I might write a blog such as you do one day.
Katrina McGhee says
Thank you! I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. We’ve all got a story to tell, and very often it can help someone else who is struggling. ❤