What does love mean to you?

I hear people all the time getting down on themselves. Frequently they don’t even realize they’re doing it. I heard a girl at the grocery store the other day. She had forgotten something at the checkout and needed to run back to get it. “I can’t believe I forgot it.” She said, “I’m an idiot.” No, honey, you most absolutely are not. It hurts my heart when I hear people telling themselves negative things. What you say to yourself, some part of you believes. It’s so common place to talk badly about yourself. “I hate my thighs, I hate my nose, if only my eyes were blue/brown/green…”

UGH! STOP IT!

Let’s look at what you think the perfect relationship is, shall we? The girl or guy who just connects with your heart and makes you feel at home. Would that person look at you and say “Hmmm, maybe if your thighs were a bit smaller, I could love you more.” (News flash, if ANYONE ever says that to you in earnest, I want you to walk away IMMEDIATELY) Your perfect relationship should love you for who you are. They should love so deep that, when they look at you, they see love and a heart connection so complete that everything else falls away. Each time they hug you, any broken pieces you have fit right back together again. You know they’re not perfect, because no one is; but this person is perfect for you. Think about this.

Now think about yourself. You should be having that perfect relationship with yourself, your body, your mind. You should never look in the mirror and pick yourself apart. I know this is hard not to do, especially in this age of social media where you get to see all the pretty pictures of people and none of the bad. I get it, but understand those people have bad days too. Those people have insecure moments just like you. I want you to practice looking in the mirror and verbally telling yourself things you love about yourself. My dimples are cute because they’re unique to me. I love when my hair does that flippy thing. I love my stomach because it has grown my children. I love my hands because they can wipe tears away and pull loved ones in for hugs.

I hope you can learn to have that perfect relationship with yourself. Everyone has bad days, including me; but make sure you keep your chin up and reassure yourself that you’re doing the best you can. So maybe next time you do something you regret, think before letting I’m an idiot slip from your mouth. Because you’re not. You’re human and you make mistakes. We all do. And life is messy and beautiful. Respect yourself and respect your journey. Give yourself some grace, friends.

Massive love,

P.S. Observe dogs and the way they look at their owners. Dogs are so pure and wonderful. They live in the exact moment and cherish every second of the present. If only we could all be as happy and in-the-moment as our doggie pals! This is little Remington vonWigglebottom, my little buddy. He looks at me like I hung the moon and stars! 

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