All We Need is Love

We have all heard the line that we must love ourselves before we can love another but do we understand the true meaning of this thought? The idea that we are all connected and bound together by the same creative force that connects the oceans and the stars is one that is mind-boggling, but when we accept that there is but one creative energy that runs through us and our neighbor then we begin to understand that what we think, say, and do to others we do to ourselves.

There is no getting ahead of our neighbor or the person in line or the person on the freeway. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" is a powerful statement. When we understand that their is no competition only cooperation we understand the true meaning of the statement. The converse is also true. When we love ourselves and give to ourselves all that we need without judgement and allow our best self to shine through we make the world a better place. We literally help others when we become the best person we can be. Now this may happen indirectly or directly but we literally make the world better when we live up to our highest potential.

So instead of waiting for somebody to give you something for Valentine's Day or to do something for you, try loving yourself and doing something nice for yourself first and then others. Write yourself a love letter and tell yourself all things you love about yourself. You can start by writing: Dear____________, I love__________, and I love________. See if you can make a long list that you can keep with you. Remember to sign it with a loving signature and put lots of X0X0X0.

You can also send out thoughts of love to all those that are not with you, and to those that are you can express it to them directly through your thoughts, actions, and words. You don't have to go out and buy anything. Make your love a gift or better yet do something nice for them. It can be anything from making them a cake to making their favorite meal, or doing something thoughtful like washing the dishes or other task.

If you're not feeling particularly loving then this is a clue that you need to fill your love tank. Go to the mirror and look directly into your own eyes and tell yourself, "I Love You." At first it will be difficult and your mind will resist, but keep saying it in as a convincing voice as you can. Tell yourself all the things you love about yourself. Keep doing this until it begins to feel true. You will notice a shift in your affect and your thoughts will change as well.

When we feel good about ourselves we feel good about others! Think good thoughts and do something nice for yourself and those around you.

Wishing you much love today and always,

George

George Castro, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist and life coach. He can be reached at gccoaching@yahoo.com or visit him on the web at www.georgecastromft.com