Be Your Own Best Friend

Regardless of what we’ve been “programmed” to believe about ourselves (by others or the world), we all deserve to be:

• Happy
• Loved
• Accepted for who we are

PERIOD.

But somewhere along the way, we’re told (or shown) something different. Through our experiences, the words and actions of others, and messages in the media, we might learn to believe we don’t matter and we’re not worthy, which can lead to thinking and feeling bad about ourselves, which then leads to treating ourselves poorly. We often treat ourselves how we THINK we are, rather than how we TRULY are. And the vicious cycle begins – think bad about self leads to feel bad about self leads to treat self badly…and because we treat ourselves badly, it makes us think and feel worse about ourselves.

It’s time to stop this madness. And time to re-program yourself back to the truth…that you are worthy and lovable.

One trap many of us fall into is looking for others to make us happy, love us, and accept us, especially when we ourselves aren’t able to do this for ourselves. But when you expect others to do for you that which you cannot do for yourself, it can be a dangerous trap. Looking outside yourself for validation sends a message that your opinion, your beliefs, and your feelings don’t count. When in reality, they are the only ones that do.

So how do you get to the point of being happy, loved, and accepted? Start by taking a good, long (gentle) look in the mirror. One way to get back to loving yourself is to do the BEST FRIEND test. How would your best friend describe you? Would they have the same harsh things to say that run through your mind? Or would their words be peppered with compliments, strengths, and glowing qualities? Write down a paragraph (or two or three) describing yourself through the eyes of your best friend.

Once you write out your “best friend” description of yourself, read it. Then read it again. Then post it where you can see it. And every time you see it, read it. And take time to really FEEL it and let it in. Let a smile creep in, starting at your toes and working its way up to your face.

You really are your own best friend. Would you allow someone to talk bad about your best friend? If not, then why would you allow anyone (including yourself) to talk bad about you? Seems simple, but many of us don’t stop to think about the effects our own negative, self-deprecating thoughts and words have upon us. Wouldn’t it only make sense that saying more positive (and true) things about ourselves would have equally powerful effects on us?

To learn more about gentle and powerful ways to get back to loving yourself, please join me for my next monthly FREE Telseminar, “Loving the Reflection in the Mirror: The Secret Power of Self Love and Positive Self Talk.” Simply go to the REGISTRATION page and enter your name and email to get signed up. Even if you can’t attend the live call, you will get access to the recording of the call, but only if you register.

Photo: Bff © by Texasbubba