The little chant that goes with the title of the blog is often done as petals are pulled from a flower.  Chanting “loves me, loves me not,” to see a visual representation of allowing the petal pulling to decide if someone loves you…or not.

In Galatians 5: 22-23 it states, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such thing.”  Allowing ourselves to travel down memory lane and fill our hearts with thoughts of beautiful memories, is a way of giving love to ourselves.  Perhaps indulging in a massage to ease the aches and pains of a busy work week, will wrap yourself in love.  Maybe alone time with a cigar and a good book (ok, cigar not necessary but you get the idea) this scenario might create time for loving yourself. A walk in the park, an afternoon by the pool, reading favorite stories to your grandchildren, watching the clouds saunter across the sky, or the planets and stars twinkling in the night, all of these can envelope you with a “warm fuzzy” of self-love.

Only when you can feel this peace, joy, love, and gentleness for yourself are you then able to love others. Truthfully, self-love brings about the ability to show even more love towards others.

Remember God’s love for us is unconditional.  He IS love. Love your neighbor as yourself; this sage advice starts with YOU.  Self-love.

Jill