“When people come to me with a problem, I don’t care what it is – poor healthy, lack of money, unfulfilling relationships, or stifled creativity – there is only one thing I ever work on, and that is LOVING THE SELF. I find that when we really love and accept and APPROVE OF OURSELVES EXACTLY AS WE ARE, then everything in life works.” Louise Hay from You Can Heal Your Life.

This is a practice I am working on all the time. I find that I have moments where I am totally embodying it and then others when I am not! And it is amazing how self-criticism just sneaks in there. For example, as I love to write and express myself, and I have never been an “A” student in English and Grammar. :) I just write because I LOVE it!

But my self critical voice comes up once in awhile that says…”you are not a professional writer, you write stupid stuff, you should really learn how to write, your grammar sucks, you should be embarrassed that a woman with a college degree doesn’t write better.” And, these are often subtle thoughts and unless I am really paying attention it sneaks in my mind.

But the thing is after we allow one negative thought in our mind, more keep on coming until eventually I convince myself I am not a writer and shouldn’t be writing and stop and feel uninspired and stupid. So, yea that isn’t very fun and inspiring!

So, I totally agree with Louise in loving ourselves and accepting ourselves just the way we are. When I am having these thoughts I turn them into; “I am unique and different and if I was inspired I could learn better grammar and writing skills. But, right now I just love to express myself and if at some point in the future I decide to refine I will. :) Thanks for sharing, critical mind I know that you are just trying to protect me from looking stupid. I appreciate it and I feel really good and happy when I am sharing, so I am going to keep on doing that!” I then feel alive and excited and happy to be writing these words and fully accept who I am right now.

It is all about loving ourselves and who we truly are. We are worthy right now and maybe we want to improve and transform our self image which is fantastic we are here to grow and evolve. I love the affirmation. I am worthy right now of love and acceptance; I do not need to be anyone other than who I am right now. I love and accept myself!

Watch out for the negative, critical thoughts, and learn to love and appreciate yourself more fully!