Loving yourself starts with the notion of your existence, here and now, in this very moment. I love myself just for the fact that I exist, I’m here, not for possessing something others lack. Those who despise others considering them undeserving of love just because they lack something, show themselves weak, dependent and diffident.
Only accepting yourself with all your “flaws” you learn the most important lesson in life: you’re flawless, you’re unique. Loving oneself means realizing we are all one. We’re all here both to learn and to teach. Those who are capable of loving themselves can’t hurt or humiliate others. Hurting someone harms you more. The universe is indivisible and endless. You’re a part of it.
Don’t take in the whole world as a threat or a constant struggle, or endless competition. You are the best version of yourself no matter what anyone else thinks! The sooner you learn and accept it, the faster paper airplanes, with your dreams written on them, will fly into space!
You don’t have to prove you deserve my love. My love for you is endless! You don’t have to make any choices just to make me happy. I’ll always support you. I don’t expect you to become better! I love you unconditionally. And I do wish for you to be the person you are, to feel true love for yourself and follow your own path. Let your heart and your destiny choose this path for you. You are the inception!
Your beauty meets no rivals in this world
As all true beauty of this world YOU hold!
Your soul, reflecting everyone you’ve known,
Just like a quilt of parts of us is sewn.
And all this beauty: fields of rye,
The woods, the rivers and the sky
Are parts of you and that’s the reason why
They catch your eye.
Are weariness and anguish all you see?
Or do you feast your eyes upon the skies?
Each drop of rain reflects your pretty face,
And love is all around and inside us!
Julia Belova
(Translated by Anna Zabrodina)
And there’s love for yourself inside of you. It’s a priority. You came here with this love and you pass away with it, all the same. It’s the part of you that loves you, no matter what.
Listen to your heart if you doubt my words. Your heart never lies!
There’s still more of the picturesque Provence with its lavender fields to see. We’re about to visit a gorgeous castle garlanded with orchards.
Local architecture is inspiring in its beauty and elegance. The twisted paths lead to gigantic Cedars of Lebanon. The castle walls keep memories and numerous stories of local potentates and townsfolk. Centuries-old trees, as if wrapping us up in their embrace and whispering, suggesting we pause and reflect upon ourselves as parts of something meaningful.
Some folks still remember legends about this place. There’s one I especially adore.
Once upon a time, a very wealthy Marquis lived here. He had two daughters. The elder daughter was a stunning beauty with golden curls and graceful figure. Her younger sister was nothing like her: she possessed neither looks nor grace. The Marquis was so proud of his elder daughter, but he kept the younger one to the shadows.
One day, the Marquis was visited by two young heirs of mighty sovereigns. One of them greeted the Marquis, announcing, “Good day! I come looking for a bride.”
“Well, that’s delightful! What are you waiting for? Come on in!” invited the Marquis.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” replied the men. They admired the beauty of the magnificent interior of the castle as they entered the hall.
“Let me introduce you to my elder daughter,” the Marquis said.
“Oh, no,” one of the young men suddenly objected. “Will you be so kind to introduce us to your younger daughter instead? I have heard a lot of flattering words about the beauty of your elder daughter. And nothing of the younger! I’d like to meet her.”
The Marquis gave the youngsters an astonished look, exclaiming, “What a surprise!”
“I offer you a bounty of one million diamonds for her,” proclaimed the noble heir.
“What in the world? You offer me one million diamonds for my YOUNGER daughter. But I’d be happy to give you my elder daughter for this generous offer! Would you like to reconsider?” the Marquis’s confusion was evident, but he couldn’t help it.
“I ask for the hand of your younger daughter. Please, introduce me to her!” insisted the young man.
A very modest and unattractive girl entered the hall, looking frightened.
“Will you marry me?” proposed the youngster.
“Yes, I will,” whispered the girl, bewildered.
The Marquis received the diamonds. The groom and the bride left immediately. The groom’s friend disapproved of such a choice. Taking an unattractive and taciturn girl for a wife didn’t make sense to him. But the groom didn’t utter a word in defense, he was guided by his heart.
Five years passed, and the friend called upon the couple, uninvited. Approaching their house, he noticed a beautiful girl, her endless chestnut brown hair fell graciously on her shoulders. Her lovely smile seemed the most delightful of all things in the world. He stopped.
“Who are you, beautiful stranger?” he asked, amazed.
“Don’t you recognize me?” she gave him one of her loveliest smiles.
“I’m sorry, I really don’t…”
“I’m your best friend’s wife, we’ve met before.”
“How’s that possible?” he stared in disbelief. “You seemed plain to me when I first met you,” he said, embarrassed.
“I don’t blame you. The day when you and my husband arrived at my father’s castle, I finally realized that I was worth a million diamonds. I’m really one of a kind. And there’s no one prettier than me. I’m unique.”
Doesn’t it seem strange to you that so many people in the world are unsatisfied with their looks? They always criticize themselves. Some are obsessed with food, others are poisoning themselves with cigarettes, drugs, alcohol. There are those who undergo painful and dangerous plastic surgeries. All this only testifies lack of love for oneself. People don’t accept themselves. Don’t you ever let your fears and doubts take over you, my love!
There’s always genius within each of us.
Treat yourself to something extra special every now and then. Make yourself happy. Enjoy life. Be grateful for every single day, you every little success.
It’s as easy as that.
Always say, “I did so well today,” (and mention all that you’ve done during the day), or praise yourself, saying things like, “I’m a wonderful person,” or, “I love myself more and more every day,” or, “The world around me is safe and beautiful,” or, “My life is full of love and happiness.”
Choose one day of the week when you do everything that makes you feel the most wonderful and successful person. Spend it just as you wish! Feel the love! Feel absolutely happy! Take a walk in a park, for instance, or watch your favorite movie. It doesn’t matter exactly what you do, but it has to be a day totally devoted to yourself. Make a point of telling yourself how awesome and special you are. Wake up with a feeling that you are loved. Open your eyes and say to yourself, “I love you! You are the best.” Memorize this feeling of love.
Now, say these simple phrases to yourself and repeat daily:
I’m special.
I love myself.
I’m beautiful.
I’m wonderful.
I’m perfect.