Have You Thanked Yourself Lately

I wished someone Happy Birthday today, and when she responded with a "Thank You," she felt like she was thanking herself because her chosen middle name is also Sophie. And that made me think.

When we're genuine, we thank others, some of us thank our God or Gods, and many of us thank favorable circumstances; but have you thanked yourself, lately? Other cliches come to mind: "Give yourself a pat on the back," for instance, and "Give yourself a hug." But we usually don't even think about doing that until someone reminds us to, and when they do its for something that was contributed to the group, rarely for something that we have done for ourselves.

I guess it's time to talk about self-love, and I'm not talking about self-love-at-the-expense-of-others, conceitedness. What I'm referring to is an acknowledgment of yourself, giving yourself a break from time to time, encouraging yourself to grow toward your full potential. Do you love yourself?

In the teachings of Jesus, which I believe he paraphrased from Rabbi Ben Hillel, he admonishes us that spirituality can best be achieved by loving your god with all your soul, and all your strength and all your might, and loving your neighbor as yourself. That is to say, seek your genuine spiritual connection with the divine, and show an genuine interest for yourself and others. This concept is also known as the inside-out path. Loving and affirming yourself usually precedes a genuine warmth for those with whom you share your life. When you allow yourself to feel divine love, it overflows and can't be contained.

So, now I have to think of what I have done for myself. I forced myself to attend meetings, which got me over my funk. I let myself have dance lessons, which is fun and energizing and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I changed my name, so now I don't feel like I have no identity anymore, which lends its own sense of joy. So, thank you, Sophie, for bringing meaning into my life [giving myself a hug, and a pat on the back].

So have you done something for yourself for which you are genuinely thankful?

Hugs and God Bless,
Sophie