by Brigid Curran.

 The notion of self-love and its profound healing powers transcends generational boundaries, resonating deeply with individuals across all ages, especially those navigating the complexities of today's world. While once thought to be a concern primarily for those born in the 60s and 70s, the reality is starkly different. Today, we face a community grappling with profound inner struggles rooted in their own belief systems. 
Reflecting on the timeless adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," let's confront its fallacy. Originating in a speech by E.H. Heywood in 1862, it portrayed a sentiment aimed at resilience, yet belied the truth that words possess an immense power to wound. Maya Angelou, in her poem "Still I Rise," encapsulated this truth poignantly: "You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise." Wouldn't it be wonderful to have this inner power to rise above the internal wounds?
Today, the journey towards self-love becomes an essential antidote to this pain. It goes beyond mere self-esteem,  it is a profound act of embracing oneself fully—flaws, scars, and all. Self-love is the balm that soothes the wounds inflicted by harsh words and unmet expectations. It is the foundation upon which resilience is built, where one finds the strength to rise above adversity. How can you rise?

In practicing self-love, you cultivate a nurturing relationship with yourself.  You learn to acknowledge your worthiness, independent of external validation or criticism. This inner dialogue becomes a sanctuary, fostering growth, and healing. It enables you to set boundaries that protect your emotional well-being and to pursue paths that align with your truest self.  When you seek validation or love from others to feel more significant, it often ends up making you feel inadequate. The effort to make someone love you can backfire, pushing them further away. You may internalise this rejection, blaming yourself and wondering where you went wrong, but it's crucial to realise it's not your fault.

If your intention is to love genuinely and it's not reciprocated, it's important to recognise that the other person may not be deserving of your love. Fully embracing self-love means owning your worth and understanding that it's not about becoming more for someone else but about complementing a relationship—whether it's romantic or otherwise.

By prioritising self-love and acceptance, you cultivate a solid foundation within yourself. This allows you to enter relationships from a place of strength and authenticity, rather than seeking validation externally. It empowers you to contribute positively to relationships, knowing that your worthiness comes from within, independent of others' opinions or actions.

Furthermore, self-love radiates outward, influencing relationships and communities. It promotes empathy and compassion, as individuals who value themselves are more inclined to extend kindness to others. It becomes a catalyst for collective healing, challenging societal norms that perpetuate self-doubt and insecurity.

Ultimately, the journey of self-love is not one of vanity or selfishness but a profound act of self-preservation and empowerment. It is a transformative force that allows individuals to reclaim their narratives and rewrite stories of resilience and hope. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our modern world, let us embrace the healing powers of self-love, recognising it as a fundamental right and a beacon of light amidst the darkness.

In summary, Maya Angelou's poignant poem "Still I Rise" powerfully captures the enduring impact of words, emphasising how they can wound deeply and linger in the psyche, triggering emotional responses with lasting consequences. Echoing the sentiment of the Bee Gees' song "Words," which reflects on the power and weight of words in shaping emotions and relationships, the message underscores that words, despite their intangibility, hold immense power to both uplift and harm, shaping personal narratives and interactions in profound ways. (It's only words, and words are all I have To take your heart away- Bee Gees Words)

#SelfLove #InnerStrength #Authenticity #KnowYourWorth #LoveYourselfFirst #NoValidationNeeded #Relationships #SelfAcceptance #OwnYourPower #EmbraceYourself   #mayaangelou #beegees #words

"She sat at the back and they said she was shy,
She led from the front and they hated her pride,
They asked her advice and then questioned her guidance,
They branded her loud, then were shocked by her silence,
When she shared no ambition they said it was sad,
So she told them her dreams and they said she was mad,
They told her they'd listen, then covered their ears,
And gave her a hug while they laughed at her fears,
And she listened to all of it thinking she should,
Be the girl they told her to be best as she could,
But one day she asked what was best for herself,
Instead of trying to please everyone else,
So she walked to the forest and stood with the trees,
She heard the wind whisper and dance with the leaves,
She spoke to the willow, the elm and the pine,
And she told them what she'd been told time after time,
She told them she felt she was never enough,
She was either too little or far far too much,
Too loud or too quiet, too fierce or too weak,
Too wise or too foolish, too bold or too meek,
Then she found a small clearing surrounded by firs,
And she stopped...and she heard what the trees said to her,
And she sat there for hours not wanting to leave,
For the forest said nothing, it just let her breathe"

#breathe #love #calm #love #relationships