I started reading at the ripe old age of three. I learned how to tie my shoes and ride a bike. I started to write, and I practiced my handwriting so it would be neater. I got older, and I learned algebra and history. I learned how to drive a car. I conducted research and wrote academically. I gained work skills, and eventually I even learned how to teach others.
I’m 38 I’m an adult now, and I’ve learned a lot of things over the years. One thing I haven’t learned, however, is how to love myself.
Doesn’t that seem ridiculous? I learned how to tie my shoes and ride a bike and conduct academic research, but I didn’t learn how to love myself.
I don’t want you to think that I’m blaming anyone for this. My parents and teachers and mentors have taught me a lot. They prepared me well. I think I wasn’t taught to love myself because it doesn’t seem like something that has to be taught, at least not to most people.
When you are diagnosed with a depressive disorder, it can manifest itself in a lot of ways. With mine, when I’m struggling to be positive or am feeling exceptionally sad, I stop caring for or about myself. This is because, deep down, there is a still a part of me that doesn’t love myself.
So how do you love yourself? Where’s the magic switch that makes it easier to love yourself when some days you don’t even like yourself?
There isn’t one. It’s difficult. It isn’t pretty. And it’s hard work. And there isn’t anything I can say to change that.
I will tell you this: When I have moments where I love myself, I say them out loud. If I look in the mirror and think I look pretty or sexy, I say that out loud.
“Damn girl, you look good.”
If I really like something I’ve written, I tell myself.
If someone says something nice to or about me, I write it down.
I’m not always good at following my own advice, though. I have a thousand tips and tricks and powerful quotes, but some days that doesn’t make anything any easier. I’ve learned a lot in 38 years, but I also still have a lot to learn. And some days, that includes loving myself.
On those days, I turn to the “smile files” on my phone and in my email. I picked this idea up from a friend and mentor, and I use these “smile files” to hold on to emails, text messages, tweets, etc. that have made me smile. These memories give me things to hold on to when it’s hard to remember why I should love myself.
If you’re still learning to love yourself, it’s OK. There are lots of people still learning to love themselves, so I hope you don’t ever think you’re alone.
It’s not easy. It’s maybe the most difficult thing you’ll ever do. But you’re learning. I’m learning. The people around us are learning. And we will get there. Together. I thought i would veer off my normal #Blogs about #Bitcoin, #Altcoins, #Steem, #Steemit i hope everyone enjoys spread the #Love please help a brother out in hard times and thanks for reading 