Thoughtful Thursday & Enjoying Being You

Do you enjoy being you? 

Have you ever taken the time to really get to know yourself?

What if you were to pause and strip away all the distractions in your life and just be alone with yourself?

It may seems scary at first.

The ugly thoughts about yourself may be revealed.

I would invite to consider 5 things as you begin to get curious about your relationship with you.

First, everyone questions their value. 

At one time or another, we find ourself believing the false idea that other people are better than others.

We need to remember that we are all different and that there is no hierarchy.

We are all valuable and worthy.

Second, we need to remember to celebrate our wins and forgive our mistakes. 

Our brains give so much weight to the negative.

Remember, it isn't about perfection.

It is about practice.

It is about learning, growing and becoming.

We will always need the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

And, we will get more leverage by being curious of our shortcomings than critical.

Appreciate yourself!

Be kind & compassionate.

Apologize & forgive. 

Third, stop simplifying and diminishing yourself.

You are not your appearance.

Your weight.

Your house.

Your children's choices.

Your achievements.

Your mistakes. 

Your thoughts.

Your emotions.

What if you could define yourself by your character?

Your gifts?

Your capabilities?

Fourth, do more of what brings you joy!

Reading, hiking, meditating, dancing, quilting, writing, etc.

This is different than buffering.

Buffering will not create a relationship with yourself.

It actually prevents you from really getting to know yourself.

Try treating yourself with equal value. 

Fifth, talk to yourself more than you listen to you.

Be intentional.

Answer the lower brain that runs on autopilot with things like,

"Ok, brain. Nothing has gone wrong."

"This really isn't about me."

"I have heard that before.  What else?"

"I am feeling this way because of a sentence in my brain."

When you take the time to do these 5 things, you allow yourself to deepen the connection you have with you.

As we nourish this connection, we find ourselves better connecting with others too.

Give it a try.