What Distinguishes the Property Line Between You and Others?
May 17, 2018
John C. Maxwell’s List of Five Things to Add Value to Your Life and to Others
June 14, 2018
You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked.
Try approving of yourself and see what happens. – Louise L. Hay
You wake up every morning with yourself and sleep with yourself every night. You spend twenty-four hours a day with the same person … and that’s you … so it’s important to enjoy your own company and be at peace with yourself.
A mark of healthy self-esteem is the ability to spend time alone, without the company of others. Being comfortable with yourself and enjoying solitary time reveals inner peace and centeredness. Being by yourself enables you time to listen to your inner callings and needs, which is how you learn, and get to know the person you truly are. Knowing how to nurture yourself and be your own BFF, or Best Friend Forever, is good for your health and well-being.
To be your own best friend, develop the same kind of tolerant goodwill, positive attitude and love toward yourself that you have toward your friends. Love and nurture yourself; give yourself the encouragement, patience and support that a loving parent and friend provides; learn to forgive yourself when you make mistakes and reward yourself when you do well. All this strengthens your physical, mental and emotional health.
Action steps to becoming your own Best Friend Forever include the following:
- Lift yourself up, don’t put yourself down – How you feel about yourself is up to you. If you don’t like some of your behavior patterns, change them. If you can’t change, accept yourself with love, understanding and compassion. Be aware of your gifts and talents. Let go of your fears and resentments.
- Stay positive around others – You are not responsible for the unsolicited advice or criticism of others. There is no need to defend yourself, simply continue to do what you believe to be right for you.
- Forgive and be compassionate toward yourself – Would your best friend subject you to recrimination for missed opportunities and mistakes made? When you do something you are proud of, don’t let is pass unnoticed; tell yourself you did well and celebrate.
- Meet your own expectations – Set reasonable goals for yourself and work toward achieving them while engaging in positive self-talk. Your goals do not need to be grand; minor goals can give you a boost when you allow yourself to savor the success of completion. Be in charge of yourself.
- Get to know yourself better – Fears, desires and fantasies make it hard to see who you really are. The ability to spend time alone in contemplation is important. Self-knowledge helps you become aware and overcome weaknesses that inhibit your happiness, self-respect and success.
- Learn to like and love the person you are.
Excerpted from GUTS – Get Uncomfortable To Succeed.
To purchase your signed copy of GUTS, go to https://bettyfranklin.com/guts-the-book/
