Our growth needs do not stem from a lack of something, but rather from a desire to grow as a person. Growth needs include cognitive, aesthetics and morality. As we examine self-love for our individual needs, we must look at the growth needs for attaining self-actualization. Establishing self-love in creativity and purpose requires growing in knowledge, finding true beauty and self-actualizations.
Encompass your true self
Self-love requires us to establish a deep, satisfying interpersonal relationship. A well-balanced range of interpersonal skills can support a graceful situational awareness. Listening skills can balance assertiveness, an awareness of non-verbal communication can balance questioning. Being true to yourself and your self-awareness can assist in the delivery of strong morals and ethical standards you may hold. Some conversations, especially those around ethics and morality can be tenuous if we waiver on our “true self”. Encompass your true self, established in the understanding of your moral and ethical standards.
Be self-forgiving of mistakes
Mistakes are not a bad outcome. Building a tolerance for uncertainty is one way an individual can develop self-love. This tolerance of uncertainty can aim us toward a healthy perception of reality. The sensitivity of any situation can be difficult when invested emotionally in an outcome. Working toward self-forgiveness and tolerance of uncertainty we must learn to look at life objectively to grow a healthy perception of reality. Let me know when you master this one! I’m still working on this area…probably always will be.
Be self-considerate
Seriously! Do not fall prey to social or cultural expectations of self-neglect. Self-Care is not a dirty work. It is required for us to be cognitively sound, creative and to find beauty. The environment can be volatile if you are worn down. Self-consideration is required for self-preservation. Examining self-love needs us to consider our spiritual, physical and mental needs.
Captivate Yourself
Accept you! You are the only you that will ever be. Was that Dr. Seuss?? Merriam-Webster’s definition of captivate: to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal. Be that, be captivated by YOU! Find a deep appreciation for basic life experiences. Not everyone needs or wants a captive audience, but everyone deserves to find reason to be personally invested.
Areas of Wellness
The Mind Garden’s Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle authored by Jane E. Myers, Thomas J. Sweeney, & Melvin Witmer look through the lens of a Wheel of Wellness. Five areas of wellness include the creative self, social self, essential self, coping self and physical self. The creative self is related to problem-solving, feelings of control, sense of humor, work, and emotions. Social self encompasses friendship and love. Essential self reflects the spirit, culture, gender identity and self-care. Coping self is a part of establishing a healthy perception of reality, leisure, stress management styles and sense of worth. Lastly, but not least is physical self, looking at nutrition and exercise.
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