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Heartwings Love Notes 833 - The Importance of Cherishing Myself

Heartwings says, "It is not necessarily selfish to think of yourself too."

Because they don't know much as yet about being an individual, young children are naturally unselfish. Once children learn to think of themselves as "me" most parents begin teaching them to share. "Sharing is caring" becomes a kind of guidance with which to approach both giving and doing. This is all very well until we begin to leave ourselves out of the sharing equation. It is vial to remember ourselves when we share. I am happier and more content when I include myself in my decisions and actions concerning others.

What can make us forget to do that is that often it feels better to give than to receive. Giving can even make us feel a bit superior to the recipient, a kind of pat on our head. It can also incline us to wish to be thanked or even to be given back to in some way. If or when we do not get a return on our gift, we may grow resentful. This then can create a feeling of martyrdom or even bitterness as in: "I did thus and such for them and got nothing back."

If we cherish others at our own expense and forget to cherish ourselves, we do both the recipient and ourselves a disservice. It is not difficult to think of ways to cherish ourselves. However given that it may feel more virtuous to focus on others, it may be easier to do so. Yet small acts on our own behalf can make a big difference. For instance: remembering to buy and prepare a kind of tea I like along with the one that Stephen prefers starts my morning happily. Remembering to ask him to join me in doing tasks or walking
enhances my day.

When I can I take the time to sit with my feet up and read a fun book for at least an hour a day. When I would like a new pair of socks or a pretty but unnecessary item of clothing, I no longer feel guilty buying it for myself. Sharing means giving equally, not depriving oneself. If I encounter any guilt when I do something for me, I remind myself that I deserve to be cherished, and I smile and tell myself, "I love you too."

May you find good ways to cherish yourself and enjoy what you do.

Blessings and best regards, Tasha

P.S. How do you cherish yourself? What do you give to you? I'd love to hear! Your responses are precious to me and I greatly
appreciate them.

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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