what does loving yourself really mean?

don't we all love ourselves a little too much already? 

what's so loving about the way north america puts their consumerism needs above the rest of the world?

if you're anything like me, you've probably struggled with these thoughts at some point, scribbled them in your journal, mauled them over with friends.

if you're anything like me, you've probably let it become a source of guilt and struggle.

if you're anything like me, you're probably searching for a way to solve this issue in your own mind...

a girl who likes facts, i've had to accept i won't get the answers to all my burning questions. but i've got some words of comfort for you today.

you don't have to 'love yourself' the way society loves itself. chances are, deep down, you don't really agree with society's definition of love any ways. there's nothing loving about being fake, about satisfying all your unjustified needs, or about always putting yourself first.

"thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself" is a quote that comes from the bible, mark 12:31 specifically. and if we are going off of 1 corinthians 13:4-7 (also from the bible) as a more genuine definition of love, i'm okay with that. 

love yourself. be patient with yourself, be patient with those around you. don't get easily mad at others, don't get easily mad at YOURSELF. trust others intentions... trust your OWN heart.

to respect your neighbour you need to respect yourself and there's nothing selfish about that.  it doesn't mean to treat everyone with sticky sweet kindness if that's not your thing (because that's not how i treat myself either). it doesn't mean to always be financially splurging. and it most certainly does not mean perfection.

if you want to love yourself in a way that is different from the public, start by concentrating less on the shallow things of the world (which sometimes means people as well), and start concentrating more on the desires of your heart. chances are your heart desires for you to be content in your own skin... for peace among those around you (even those you don't enjoy!)... for more simple pleasures.

flawed by nature i may be, but lacking love for myself sure isn't going to help.

so do yourself a favour, and love thyself today.