Loving Kindness

The Rose

“Think of a rose from the time it is a tiny bud.
As it opens to full flower till the last petal falls, it is
always beautiful, always perfect, always changing.
So it is with us.
We are always perfect, always beautiful, and ever-changing.
We are doing the best we can, with the understanding,
awareness and knowledge we have.
As we gain more understanding, awareness and knowledge,
then we will do things differently.”
Louise Hay,
from You Can Heal Your Life

What a beautiful quote. The message behind the quote is to be kind and loving to yourself. During our lifetime we are growing, changing, and learning lessons daily. Each one of us are doing the best we can, even if we sometimes tell ourselves, “You are making a mess of your life.” It is just being human.

Each day we can either concentrate on what is not working or focus on what makes us happy and fulfilled. We have a choice! I vote for focusing on what is working instead of what is not. Easier said than done.

We are wired to romanticize what is not working instead of looking for possibilities to enrich our lives. Don’t give up hope there is a way. Following are some steps you can take to change your thinking and behaviors.

1. Every morning before getting out of bed acknowledge yourself for who you are. Example: I am a great supervisor and support all my teammates.
2. While getting dressed look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I love you.”
3. Acknowledge yourself for becoming aware of a behavior and changing it. Example: My children wanted to play a game after dinner and instead of saying, “I am very tired and let’s play tomorrow” we played the game and had fun.
4. Take time each day for yourself. Example: Listen to music and just relax.
5. Every night before going to sleep write down three things that made you happy during the day.

Taking one all of the steps above will start you focusing on what is working instead of what is not.

Remember we are fantastic just the way we are and realizing it makes our perspective of life exciting.

Thursday, February 14, 2008 is Valentine’s Day and I request you give yourself the best present by being KIND and LOVING to yourself during the day. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Helen