Loving YOU: The One Relationship That Ultimately Matters

Loving YOU

This one time, at a conference, the keynote speaker asked the audience to write down 4 people they love. He gave us a minute or two to do so.

Once done, he asked us to raise our hand if we listed ourselves on that piece of paper. Less than 20% of the people in the room (mind you, it was hundreds of people in attendance!) had done that.

Most people listed their spouse, kids, parents, the dog, etc. It was an eye opening exercise for many of us in the room. It’s crazy how we often forget about ourselves!

Source: Marriage.com

Let’s take a moment to talk about the most significant relationship you’ll ever have in your life.

No, it’s not the one with your parents, your best friend, or even your significant other. It’s the relationship you have with yourself. Yes, you heard it right! The relationship with YOU is the one that ultimately matters the most.

Why, you ask? Well, it’s simple. You are the constant in your life, the one person you’ll spend every single moment with, from birth until your last breath.

Now, imagine being in a relationship where you’re constantly criticizing, doubting, or belittling the other person. Sounds exhausting and unhealthy, right? That’s exactly what happens when you don’t cultivate a loving relationship with yourself. When you love and respect yourself, you set the standard for how others should treat you. You become more confident, resilient, and empowered. You’re able to make better decisions, set healthier boundaries, and pursue your dreams with gusto.

In the end, the journey to a fulfilling life starts with loving YOU. It’s the one relationship that will guide and shape all others. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch how it transforms your life in the most beautiful ways!

ME Time

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married with children, it’s important you set aside a small portion of your day for a little ME time. The rigors of family life and the working world can wreak havoc on your confidence and self-esteem, leaving you feeling disconnected from your life and swimming against a tide of self-doubt.

Sometimes, we’re all so bothered about pleasing other people that we forget what’s really important to ourselves. But investing some time in yourself doing self-care is by no means selfish – it simply gives you a little breathing room in a fast-paced and hectic society, where sometimes every second seems to have been accounted for.

Good for Your Body

If you have run yourself mentally ragged looking after the kids, your partner, or your boss all day, chances are you feel exhausted by the evening. However, exercise is a great way to help you get your energy back, especially if you work in a stagnant office environment where no one does much moving these days.

The benefits of exercise on the body are well known – it can reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke – and actually makes you feel better about yourself.

In fact, the endorphins you get with exercise often make you feel happier, more fulfilled, and more energetic – and of course there are the aesthetic benefits too. So, in a nutshell, regular exercise

Good for Your Mind

We all know we should exercise and eat well to ensure a healthy body – but did you know physical activity is also good for your brain?

According to scientists at Cambridge University, exercise stimulates grey matter growth in the brain. Running and other aerobic activity (including simply walking) can cause the formation of hundreds of new brain cells, which are used for learning and memory recollection. In fact, taking the time out to physical movement for 30 minutes every day may even prevent the deterioration of your brain in old age.

In addition, years of sedentary office work might reduce your mental capacity (even despite those “stimulating” spreadsheets)! So, instead of working late and staying in during the evenings, take some “ME time” and go for a walk or run around the block. It’s good for your body and your mind!

Good for Your Soul

When was the last time you actually switched off? I know people who even take their smart-phones to the bathroom with them because they are so addicted to the constant stream of information. Between TV, radio, and all the internet-connected devices available to us today, we rarely have a moment’s peace and quiet to think about our lives, our hopes and dreams, and our aspirations.

So turn off the electronics for a little while and indulge in some technology-free time. Think about what YOU want to do with YOUR life, rather than stalking your old college friends on Facebook.

Meditation can help you relax and get away from it all, or you could even take some time to learn a new skill or take up a hobby.

Whatever you choose to do with your time, remember that you deserve to be the star of your own life – so start doing it YOUR way, without being buried by a sea of stress.

Over to you…

Do you often find that you neglect self? How do you show yourself that you’re loving YOU? Please share your thoughts below!

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.

Lucille Ball