Loving yourself: a lesson on self-worth

 

Perhaps, we should love ourselves so fiercely,
that when others see us they know exactly
how it should be done. ~ Rudy Francisco

It’s funny how we can learn how to operate something complex, like a smartphone, in a matter of hours (maybe minutes), but it can take a half century or more to figure out the simplest of truths. My self-worth, for more years than I care to think about, had been wrapped up in how others perceived me: Was I pretty enough? Witty, skinny, engaging, smart, creative, strong… enough? Admittedly, over the years, I have not measured up in my own eyes—whether true or unfounded. To see my value from a higher perspective has required trial and error, (mental) kicking and screaming and a conscientious effort. It means extending grace rather than criticism. And perhaps, instead of labeling our flaws as flaws, we should view them as perfect imperfections that set each of us apart as originals.

What one thing do you love about yourself?

Photo courtesy of Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

What goes around comes around

[Image credit: zirconicrusso]

In my posts Getting to the root of it all and Regaining your balance, I ramble about addressing our own set of “ickies” — the imperfections each of us struggle with on a regular basis.  Over the past week, I’ve begun the arduous first step: pinpointing a few of my own deep-seated character flaws.  My habitual tardiness is a trait I’m not proud of; however, it is just that: a bad habit that typically doesn’t harm anyone else (and one I continually attempt to improve upon).  But the other ones — shortcomings that can’t help but hold me back from the person I strive to be — may also hurt others in the process.  Selfishness, for example, is self-serving, benefiting no one but myself.  But if I’m truly honest, even that is questionable when my actions so often backfire and bite me in the butt — to the point of altering the course of my Someday and possibly yours.  Perhaps this is true poetic justice.

Are your “ickies” exclusive, or do they affect others, as well?

Looking beyond the ickies

[Image credit: digitalart]

The last three romantic comedies I’ve watched have focused heavily on how true love looks beyond the imperfections and accepts the other at face value, “ickies” and all.  This can be difficult to apply outside of the movies, however, once the rose-colored glasses come off and we’re exposed in all our glory (or otherwise) to the ones we care about (and vice versa).  Although, I happen to be acquainted with a couple who are an inspiring example of the Hollywood love story.  Individually, each entered into the relationship carrying a boat load of baggage.  But they are admittedly self-prescribed saps for the other, choosing to focus on the good in each.  They truly believe their lives are better  simply because they’re together.  And if you ask them their secret, they may just mention never being without their sap-colored glasses.  We should all be so lucky.

In love — and life — how are you at looking beyond the imperfections of others?