By Ed Trainor
In the February issue of Body Mind Spirit Guide, there were several mentions of self-love: “First Love Yourself,” “Treat yourself,” and “Be your own Valentine.”
A simple, effective tool helpful on this journey to self-love is to write a love letter to yourself. This should be done in cursive with pen and paper. In it, identify at least ten qualities or values you love about yourself. If you are good in a role such as a friend, parent, mate, boss, or employee, what qualities make you good in that role?
If you have difficulty with ten, consider a couple from the Boy Scout Oath: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. You don’t have to have these qualities 100% of the time. There are times when a particular quality might not be the right course of action; You might not want to be honest if you are hiding Jews in Nazi Germany. Also, a positive can become a negative if overdone – thrifty can become stingy. If ten is a breeze, try for twenty.
A sample love letter:
Dear Ed,
I love you with all my heart. You have always been there for me, even when it seems everyone has deserted me. I’m glad you are you.
You are special, and I love that you recognize that everyone is special and has worth as a human being.
I love that you try to treat everyone with respect, even when calling someone out on an issue.
I love your sense of humor. It has connected you to others and been a positive lift for everyone.
I love that you are friendly and, while walking, say hi to everyone you pass.
I love that you consider yourself a work in progress; you are not perfect.
I love that you are engaged in current events and have published letters standing up for others of all races, religions, cultures, & sexual orientations.
I love your kindness in giving money to street people and recognize it benefits both of you. Also, that could be you.
I love how you use your mind to help others and yourself.
I love your relationship with your dogs and cats, mindful that they loved you with an intensity unmatched by any human.
I love that you periodically remember and give thanks to people who have helped you.
I will pause for now. I hope this letter does not go to your head but to your heart and lifts you up at times when you feel knocked down.
Love, Ed Trainor
Ed is an avid reader of the Guide; you can reach him at mred48126@yahoo.com
