“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”
– M. Scott Peck
I am curious—did you experience the summer months with a greater sense of energy and connection, either within yourself or with others? Did you feel more relaxed, with opportunities for reflection, less urgency, and perhaps a little more playfulness? You may even have noticed your nervous system settling into a more peaceful state.
What might be possible as we enter the fall months?
Children and young adults are returning to school. Perhaps you are beginning or recommitting to a new exercise routine, making more nourishing food choices, or letting go of old habits that no longer serve you.
As we make these changes, we discover that our lives begin to feel more peaceful, less distracted, and less stressful.
Are you willing to take one action step toward loving yourself more?
Being in action can awaken our energy, curiosity, and sense of wonder. It does not have to be a big action. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes begin with something small: taking a walk, pausing before reacting, choosing a nourishing meal, or simply giving ourselves permission to rest.
If not, why not? And what might help you take that first step?
When we embrace the perspective that everything happens for us and practice an attitude of gratitude, something begins to shift within us. A sense of inner freedom and love can emerge from our heart and soul.
Some days, this may not feel easy. Stay with it. Loving ourselves is an ongoing process that deepens as we practice being in this State of Grace.
Have compassion for yourself and others. Release judgment, resistance, and fear as they arise. Soften. Breathe. Notice your heart opening to greater possibilities.
I remind myself of the Five Foundations for Living in the Miracle Zone, which are part of the infrastructure of an amazing program called Your Year of Miracles, and which help me anchor my daily practices of taking care of myself:
- Trust in the Universe
- Live from the Soul
- Lead with an Open Heart
- Choose Where You Put Your Energy and Attention
- Take Responsibility for Your Life
These foundations offer us a way of being in the world. They remind us that we have a choice in how we respond, where we place our attention, and how we care for ourselves. You can learn more about this program at youryearofmiracles.com.
All of humanity is experiencing change.
How are you handling yours?
I have found that these concepts help me stay more grounded in my body, less reactive, and less compelled to fix every situation. They have helped me feel more able to speak honestly without fearing someone else’s response.
In the past, I would often rise to the occasion, only to end up feeling depleted or disappointed. Today, I am grateful for a more peaceful heart as I continue to train my mind to listen rather than always react.
What is possible as you choose to “Love Yourself More”?
Why are you waiting for the weekend, a day off, or a vacation to take better care of yourself?
YOU are who you have been waiting for.
Certainly, we all have family, friends, co-workers, and other responsibilities. Yet, making time for ourselves is not selfish. It is an act of love, and it is time to make it a priority.
One step at a time.
Embrace gratitude throughout your day. Notice how it feels in your body. You may find yourself walking with more confidence, joy, and lightheartedness as you listen to your heart. You can become so busy with the demands of the day, yet your heart is always beating, taking you everywhere.
Honor yourself. It is your turn.
Let caring for yourself become nonnegotiable. As children, many of us wanted to be the head of the line or the leader of the class. We were often taught to look for external recognition—to be seen, heard, and acknowledged by others.
Here is the Big Revelation:
The leader we have been looking for “out there” is within us.
It is time to truly love that person.
This means listening to your heart and going within. It means developing an awareness and a practice of moving from the head—the ego mind—into the heart, where we can connect with loving compassion and wisdom.
As you wake up each morning, invite the loving leader within you to guide your day.
Your heart can become a trusted source of wisdom when you surrender to a greater Universal consciousness. This may feel like new territory to navigate, yet it offers an opportunity to live with greater truth, presence, and love.
What would change in your life if you began each day by asking, “What does my heart need today?”
Perhaps the answer will be rest. Perhaps movement. Perhaps a difficult conversation, a boundary, or simply a moment to breathe.
Whatever arises, listen with compassion.
Loving yourself more begins with honoring what is true for you today.
“The greatest act of leadership may be learning to lead ourselves with love.”
