fall in love with you

[photo via Modern Hepburn]

Too often we are so busy that we forget to give ourselves a little hug, whether literally or mentally. Busy with what? Working a full-time job, cooking dinner, writing papers, family obligations, cleaning the house, running errands, working out. The list goes on and on, and often changes from person to person. It's life, and it contains a list we create as we enter the grown-up realm.

But sometimes our brains are the busy ones. They're busy comparing us to other women, questioning our worth and choices, and determining paths to take. It's easy to get lost in the mumbo jumbo caught up in the mush of our brains. It's difficult to drown out the noise, isn't it?

It's all so time-consuming. I urge you to try to find the time for you. Yeah, you. Remember that person? The one that does so much in a day. The one that's unique, but forgets. The one that looks different than everyone else, and has an inside to match. The one that is irreplaceable.

Take the time to fall in love with who you are. That loud laugh you have. The crook in your nose. That toe that's just a little longer than your big toe. The career you chose because you dreamed of it. The hobby you enjoy that is supposedly dorky. The love pudge. The quirky habits. The realness of you.

It's time to give yourself a little love, reassurance, and comfort. Remind yourself of your worth, your importance to this life and how you created it, your beauty. Look in the mirror and say one thing you love about yourself. Pat yourself on the back when you accomplish something, big or small. Treat yourself, whether it's through a new pair of shoes or your favorite home-cooked meal. Do something you enjoy. Literally give yourself a hug.

Do this, because I don't believe you can love another human being and I don't believe they can love you, without loving yourself first.