Self-love

For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with self-love. My ability to love others is endless, but when I draw for the love for myself, I come up short. I'm not saying I'm a saint. I'm sure I'm selfish, rotten, bratty, and snobbish at times. But loving my soul, my faults, my body, my most inward thoughts took a long time.


I grew up insecure, struggling with loving my pondering ways, pensive thoughts, outward body since I was very young. The only cure for this is time, gentle journeys.


As a follower of Jesus, I struggled to see what was special about me, why anyone would sacrifice themselves for me? I'm sure I'm not worth it.As time has given me wisdom, I see the foolishness in not loving myself, in not seeing the uniqueness of myself was just as sacred as others around me.



I feel like this deficiency in loving self affects more than just myself. If we focused on loving ourselves truly, would we have more love to give to others? Rather than indulging in selfish ways to give us a false sense of self-worth, accepting ourselves and others. In brief glimpses, I see myself as how God may see me, beloved. I fall short daily and come down on myself for my shortcomings, but I know what spaces need work and tending and have accepted and love my good and my bad. I know not everyone shares my beliefs, but I'm sure we can all agree everyone can use more love. More inwardly love and more outwardly love.


It is important as a mother to know this love, as I'm raising the next generation of little women, capable of great love. Aspects of each individual makes each one lovely.

I am now into my late 20's and love myself wholly. I love who I am as a person, as a wife, and a mother to two beautiful girls. It took time to get here, but I'm thankful for that journey. Doing good things for myself helps me love my outward body. Good, real food, gentle thoughts, no comparing to anyone else. I have always bounced back and forth between dance and pilates, never really committing, but always staying active.


I am ready to move onto my next journey and incorporate exercise that loves my body and mind. 

I've committed to practice yoga for 30 days, on good days and bad, taking time to leave space to exercise and feel energized. I feel like this is the best choice of exercise for me, I have been wanting to make it second nature for some time now, and there is no better time to start than now.


Self-love is the meaning for this valentine's day for me. Will you join me?


I'm sharing this journey with these other lovely women - Laura, Elisabeth, Bekah, and Mandy, and whomever chooses to join us!

There are no rules, only goals.










Write about your goals and link-up here or at any of those lovely ladies' blogs. For a little encouragement, here is the video that helped me make my commitment.







And a calendar to keep you on track.










At the end my yoga commitment, I will write about my journey, how it has made me feel, what I've learned and what I'd like to continue. Feel free to chronicle your own journey.