It’s so easy to forget to extend the love and compassion that we so freely give away to others, to ourselves. But if we don’t pay attention to the most important love story in our lives, we are going to cause so many cracks in the foundation of our lives. Sure each of us have our personal thresholds of where that place is, but we all require a level of self love, acceptance and compassion.
For me personally, my critical mind takes pleasure at replaying the boring and repetitive narrative that I’m not enough. It’s become so subtle that I often don’t hear it anymore, it reminds me of the background music in the shops that’s always there but you’re not really listening to the lyrics; nevertheless, you’re digesting it all.
As I was reflecting over the weekend I recognised that I am extremely harsh on myself and even though I think I’m taking care of myself through self-care routines, I am neglecting my joy and growth as I am constantly critical of myself.
It’s interesting because when I first realised this, I started also noticing that I’m punishing myself for not being kinder to myself, oh the irony! But nothing good will come out of the narratives that are criticising me for not doing better when I know better. It’s not about knowing that you have to be kind to yourself, it’s about practicing that kindness. So, I extended the kindness to myself by acknowledging that what’s done is done, so all I need to focus on is what I do next and how I speak to myself in that moment.
The below poem is dedicated to all of us who need to cut away from the external expectations, the internal criticism and the unhealthy loops that keep putting us down. This is a reminder for showing ourselves some love and compassion.
Self Love:
It is I who is seeking your compassion,
Will you pause, breath and let go of the aggression?
This tightness in my chest,
This heaviness in my heart,
This tension in my neck,
Where did all this start?
Loving yourself is the hardest thing one can ever do,
We beat ourselves up, daily, we refuse to lose,
There is so much that can become easy,
So much that can become free,
If we paused more often and smelt the citrus trees,
Their sour scents and their pleasant aroma,
Cleanses our hearts, minds and our aura’s,
Even though we’re so desperate for a moment of peace,
We ensure that we are stacking up against our beliefs,
We choose the things that others want,
Do the things that others say,
Too afraid to become a stray,
We never pause to see what we desire,
For we fear that our dreams can set us on fire,
What if I fail, what if I fly?
What if it’s all just a big lie?
Be kind to yourself, if you dare,
See what happens in the end,
You could break free from all this illusion,
You don’t have to partake in this collusion,
You can choose your own joy and your own heart,
You can choose your own story, choose your own luck,
Forgive yourself for all the pressure you’ve felt so far,
Let it all go and give yourself a brand new start.
Love Always,
M
Souloom™ 