I’m excited to be writing this post just shy of the launch of our new book, The Energy of Expansion. The book explores how we expand our experience in life. It’s filled with perspectives from 22 authors.  You will enjoy a rich variety of perspectives.

.

When I was asked to think about my own life and the expansion I’ve experienced, my mind immediately drew a comparison to those dark lonely days 7 years ago (referred to in my last post) compared to where I am today.
.
The difference in how my life looks and how I feel is a magnificent testimony that we are truly never stuck – no matter how bad things may seem.
.

As I reflected on the changes in my life that expanded my joy and opportunities – two principles stood out.

1) I needed to learn to love myself more
2) I needed to learn to believe in myself

.
This week we’ll explore self-love.
Here’s 9 reasons why loving ourselves is so important.
I’m relying on you for #10.

.

1) Loving ourselves acknowledges that we’ve been created with magnificence and purpose.

.
If we believe this is true, then loving ourselves is simply loving our creator and the magnificence behind the intelligent purposeful design that has brought us into being.

.

2) Loving ourselves improves our relationships and intimacy.
.

Having close intimate relationships requires a level of security and trust. It takes great courage to choose to be truly close –  living together as life-partners bearing our hearts and our souls and sharing our bodies. Loving ourselves is the only way to truly open up to loving another person with this level of vulnerability.
.

3) Loving ourselves helps us set proper boundaries for our mental and physical health.

.
We all know that exercise is important. We also know that it’s important to say no from time to time. If we fail to love ourselves, we will put these important aspects of life aside. The end result can be catastrophic.
.

4) Loving ourselves improves our confidence.
.

Have you ever noticed that people who don’t love themselves tend to want to push others down and out of the way. People who don’t truly love themselves and their unique set of gifts tend to be threatened by others who appear more confident. The only cure for the insecurity disease is to learn to love who we are and all that we bring to this wonderful table called life.
.

5) Loving ourselves causes us to fall in love with our lives.

.
Have you ever noticed how everything is delightful when you are in love? Well, loving ourselves has that same effect. Love begets love. It’s as simple as that and it’s super super fun!

.

6) Loving ourselves helps us set and reach our goals.

.

Do you remember that video series Promises -2-Goals? We explored how making promises to ourselves is much more powerful and intimate than simply setting goals. The promises I made to myself this year were made because I love and care for myself and want something better. If I didn’t love myself, then the overall quality of my life and the desire to achieve my very highest opportunity would not matter to me. I know this is true because I used to not love myself. Loving ourselves changes everything.

.

7) Loving ourselves helps us in those dark times when others don’t show us love.

.

I recently went through a rather brutal experience with someone I trusted. Back in the day when I didn’t know and love myself, I would have been devastated by the betrayal of trust. In my new understanding of self-love, although the experience was very difficult and very painful, I didn’t turn it back onto myself.  I felt the pain and grieved the loss, but I didn’t self-sabotage. This aspect of self-love is a life-changer!

.

8) Loving ourselves opens up possibilities to use and expand our gifts.

.

It takes great courage to step out and use our gifts in new ways. It could be a new job, an adoption, accepting an invitation to speak in front of hundreds of people, starting or joining a new book or fitness club. Anything that takes our current gifts and causes us to expand their use to impact more people will take a greater sense of self-love.

.

9) Loving ourselves allows us to have that awesome loving feeling no matter what happens in life.

.

No matter who comes or goes from our lives, no matter whether we excel or fail in any given task or career step, no matter the shape or size of our bodies, loving ourselves gives us the unique ability to always remain in love. While in love, we will celebrate all that we are, forgive ourselves more fully, and allow ourselves to be a blessing to the world around us.

.

10) Loving ourselves …….

.

What would you add to this list? Why does loving ourselves truly make a difference? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

.

Next week – we’ll talk about HOW to love ourselves.
If you have ideas for that discussion let us know in the comments below.

.

Always remember:

Be Inspired! Be Inspirational! Be a Leader!

You’re changing someone’s life simply by being you.

 

See you in the comments!

Don’t forget to subscribe!

When you do, you’ll receive my newsletter including special tips, resources, and personal anecdotes reserved only for our community!

by