As we enter the third month of the year, and with the month of February just gone, I find myself reflecting on the thoughts, stories and online content that has been shared by not just those around me, but also in my general field of awareness. With the technology of social media, we are now able to connect and see so much more than what was previously possible just 30 years ago. As a result of social media, marketing and social conditioning, when we think of February, we tend to think of hearts, chocolates, flowers and teddy bears. February has become the month to celebrate love, to shower others with gifts and be reminded of relationships. On one hand, we could feel incredibly loved, be showered with gifts and affection, and be reminded of a wonderful relationship we have. However, on the other hand, we could feel unloved, un-worthy of gifts and affection, and be reminded of the loneliness we feel without a meaningful relationship in our life. Although it’s nice to be reminded of the love that we may share with another, this love should never overshadow the love we feel for ourselves. Our feelings of self-worth should never be tied to a relationship or any other external factor. This brings me to the theme of this post which is RADICAL SELF-LOVE.
Self-love is something we should all be mindful of and strive for. Loving ourselves despite our perceived faults. Honoring ourselves despite our perceived mistakes. Doing all the things that we would do for another for ourselves. Prioritizing ourselves without the feelings of guilt and/or shame. Taking care of ourselves in mind, body and spirit. Finally realizing that the love we are seeking is and has always been within.
Radical self-love takes this one step further. The difference between the two is really micro vs. macro. Radical self-love is essentially an unconditional love that starts from within but has the ability to spread out to reach others and potentially change the world. It would not be an exaggeration to say that radical self-love is unlimited in its potential. When we radically love ourselves, we give ourselves permission to SHINE.
We rid ourselves of fear, self-doubt, unworthiness, and limiting beliefs. We take back our power by changing the stories we tell ourselves. We allow for the opportunities that would benefit us in becoming the highest version of ourselves. As a result, we finally start to see ourselves as the divine and luminous beings we truly are. Once we realize this, we come to understand that what is in ONE is in ALL. Therefore, by practicing radical self-love we become a BEACON OF LIGHT for others and as a result the world is changed for the better.
Going forward, celebrate the love you have for yourself, shower yourself with love and affection, be reminded of the beautiful relationship you have with yourself. YOU ARE the LOVE of your life so make the choice to start radically loving yourself and you will discover that your life will start to blossom and unfold in a way that it never has before.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love
- By: Jenny Almanzar