I Love Me...I Love Me, Not...

   When God asks us to 'love thy neighbor, as thyself', this is a fairly, heavy, request.; For, He is not only asking us to love others, but, telling us, also, that we need to love ourselves. What, exactly, does this mean, to love one's-self? I think that many of us aren't quite sure. Most of us seem to grasp the idea of 'love' of others, and, find it easy to extend it. Why is it, then, that we cannot do the same for ourselves? Well...first of all, I believe that we need to understand what 'love' implies. Additionally, we need to be able to recognize the difference between taking care of our Inner-Light, and, conscious-self, Vs., simply, caring for our external, body-self. The English word 'love' can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that range from interpersonal affection, for example, 'I love my mother', to pleasure, e.g. 'I loved that meal'. It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. It can, also, be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection—'the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another'. As well, it may describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one's self or animals; this, being the type love that Jesus refers to. Over the years, I have been challenged to learn to appreciate myself more, to be kind, tender, and, more, understanding toward ME, in the same manner that I've, always, attempted to show others. In doing this, I find that, typically, I am far more able to express these, same, affections, to, both those whom I care for, and, to God's Creatures, in general, because I feel that I understand, better, what it entails to be 'loving'. Learning to offer compassion to ourselves, accepting who we are, short-comings and all, and, caring for ourselves, enough to be motivated to better ourselves, through personal-growth, is self-love, and, in my opinion, the best gift we can give to ourselves and others whom we encounter along our journey. I believe that 'everything begins with me', and, that, if I wish for the world to be a better place, I must do my part to make that a reality; and, this begins with LOVE.
'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.' ~ Just' Sayin'...