by Melissa Aytche

Created on: October 03, 2008

To love yourself seems so hard to do sometimes. In the face of people and others that judge our outer body versus our inner body. Let's face it the outer body is the first thing people see. However, what I do know is that if my inner self is strong it does show through on my outer body and people will take notice.

To love yourself means to give yourself the respect you deserve. You cannot expect others to love you or respect you if you cannot respect yourself. Often times our self esteem is hurt by the judgment of others and our fear of not being what people want take over. I know I used to do this to myself.

I decided to do one of the hardest things a person can do. I let go of the judgments and looked to my strengths. When I was down I found that by helping lift up others made me feel good. I focused on what I could control and stopped trying to control the lives of others through my own judgments and jealousy.

When you stand up and respect yourself you are giving yourself love. In return you will open a door that we all sometimes fear but crave. I started with this statement of self and I made sure I knew it by heart. When I get down I remind myself of these things and look to the blessings that I have in my life. Even in the toughest of adversities I am strong and I am blessed and that helps ease the roads of struggle.

Here is my statement of self. What is yours?

I am a self respecting strong woman and my heart is full of gold. I do not control others for I have no desire to be controlled. I do not live in jealousy of others because jealousy destroys lives. I do not hold onto anger because I don't want to miss any happiness. What I give you is from my heart and is full of passion. I am a mother, a daughter, a wife, but most importantly I am me. I do not compromise who I am for others nor do I expect anyone to do this for me.

I make mistakes as do others and I forgive. I stand up and move forward in the face of adversity. I love unconditionally and hurt the same. I am intelligent in my thinking and heed my lessons.

I may not like everything around me and I may not like all the people I meet but I respect them all the same. I value my friendships and my teachers. I accept my imperfections and look to my strengths. I am a strong self respecting woman.

Laugh when you can, love with your heart, and take in the blessings that life has to offer. I don't look upon others in judgment for I do not want to be judged. I am beautiful in whom I am and I show it from my heart and in my eyes.

Give yourself a gift today and live life. We are only here for a short time and it is not worth wasting it on fear, anger, and resentment. I would much rather look back on life and be grateful for the ones I loved and for those who loved me.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Aytche.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.