Loving Oneself is a Tricky Thing

Loving oneself is a tricky thing. I believe it's best to start with all the little ways to love oneself and build on them. For example, if you are confused or worried or anxious about the future, it's best to just focus on today, day by day, and let the future unfold. The little things we do for ourselves every day make us stronger and prepare us for the unexpected. For example, if you develop good daily habits, such as eating healthy, getting a good night sleep, keeping your space orderly, hang out with like minded friends, read books that benefit you, keep close to the ones you love, schedule your homework in time to get it done without stressing out, then you are grounded in the moment, in the day and eventually, in the future. Once you become grounded, you feel secure in yourself, no matter what happens around you. Loving yourself is being yourself. Being yourself is the toughie. Friends and family can appear to bring a lot of stress into the equation of "your self". When you want to change your ways, or your direction in life, most everyone you know will question you, doubt you, or even be disappointed with your decisions. It's not easy, sometimes you lose friendships along the path. The question is whose path are you on? Your path, or their path? When you chose your path, people who love you will respect you. Others will feel betrayed, even left behind. That is their choice. Remember everyone has expectations...everyone is going to be disappointed when those expectations are not met. We all have to grow beyond what we expect, work hard/smart for what we want and what we believe in. We must allow our expectations to disperse into new possibilities, creating a future that is unknown and undetermined.

Karen