Q: I recently turned 40 years old and I want to give myself the gift to learn to love myself for the first time ever. What tips do you have for me?
A; It’s never too late to love yourself and I would like to add the word unconditional. Let me explain the difference between conditional and unconditional love. Most of us carry certain conditions on loving ourselves and others. Conditional expressions of love tend to be more of an external means such as; I got that promotion, I followed through with losing weight, I ran that 5K, I completed the project. These are all good accomplishments however they are based on a condition. We feel good about ourselves when we do a good job, yet they are conditional expressions of things going how we like. When times are tough we don’t necessarily love who we are. When we are vulnerable, down, needy, when someone else doesn’t love us are a few examples. Our subconscious mind has a list of when we will love ourselves. I will love myself when…., yet it’s filled with conditions we must fulfill to be worthy of love.
By unconditional love, i am referring to loving yourself and others with no conditions. Easier said than done yet It’s simply loving yourself just as you are. This takes going to the pure essence of who you have always been.You came in this way, yet the conditions were placed upon you your entire life. So begin to love yourself right now, with each step you take, and being open to what is; your pain and pleasure, your frustrations and fears,Your tenderness and triumphs. Choosing unconditional love is choosing to honor and accept yourself under any conditions. Say things to yourself that make you proud of who you are. You don’t have to wait until……Say them now and if it feels strange to you, say them anyway because when you give yourself permission, it’s so uplifting and you are setting a high vibration that will spread to those around you. Congratulations on making this beautiful choice to love yourself unconditionally.