Loving you, as you are right at this moment is probably the greatest gift anyone can give to himself or herself. At this time of year many people all over the world begin to think about gift giving, and that is very nice custom.
However, what about the gift giver, you, what do you want for yourself?
Many of us want to love others and we think that giving a gift is a sign of love, and it can be, but is that the extent of our love? If we don't love ourselves, how can we give love? Can you give what you don't have?
Self-love is neither egotistic nor self-indulgent, it is appreciation and acceptance for who and where you are in your life. It is an awareness that regardless of your supposed "flaws", you are unique, 1 in over 7 billion human beings!
Know that who you are at this precise time is just what the world needs. So, be generous with your material gifts if you can, but love yourself and give some away too!
When you love yourself, you don't feel the need to hurt another. People who are unkind do not love themselves.
To love yourself means to be free from unfavourable comparisons of ourselves to others. The society in which we live does not support this, but this is something we must do, if we are to love ourselves, wholly.
When you find yourself starting to compare yourself to others, stop and ask, "WHY?" or "Is this really important to me?" or "Why do I want this?"
One of the things about love is that only we know what "love" feels like to us. Others can tell us that they love us, but we decide if and when we feel loved.
If we have not determined our own personalized love meter, by loving ourselves first, how can we tell when we are giving or receiving love?
Some common traits found in people who love themselves are: Awareness and acceptance of who they really are "imperfections" and all. Self-respect and respect for others. Generosity both in spirit and in actions.
It has been said that "It is better to give than to receive!", but I believe that both giving and receiving are equally important actions as a human being. O course, you cannot give what you don't have, so first learn to love you and make that the most important gift you give this season. Happy Giving!
One of the most elemental ways you can be loving to yourself is to take care of your needs, mind, body and soul.
Know when to reduce stress, relax and pamper your mind and body. Pamper yourself here!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Finn
