Monday, October 23, 2006

Monday--Misty's Challenge

Sorry it's so late in the day. We had a field trip this morning to the local pumpkin patch with Meg's preschool class, then lunch and a doctor trip for Meg (possible UTI). Anyway, the cold air this morning has my cold in full gear, so I've been down this afternoon until now.

You can see our field trip pics and some other fun trips here: http://desperatehousewifepics.blogspot.com/.

Now, for the day's challenge. I was hard-pressed to find one, since I've been on decongestants and am lucky to remember my name. But, I thought of some advice that I gave a dear friend a long time ago. I told her, "You can't love someone else until you learn to love yourself." So, my challenge for today is love yourself. Now, isn't this going against some of my previous posts? *see Love is a Choice--September 22. I've been really stressing unselfishness and loving others with a servant attitude. Well, think about it--if you don't love yourself (not pridefully or Narcissistically, mind you), how can you really love someone else? God gave you your body, your soul, your life, and if you hate it, you won't be able to extend unselfish love to others. People who don't love themselves tend to speak negatively about themselves or lead unhealthy lifestyles. It rubs off on others. When you learn that you are a unique creation, deserving of love, when you really love and accept yourself, you begin to see your good qualities, you begin to want to take better care of yourself. When you're ok with yourself, you're better able to extend love to others.

So, kiddos, give yourself a pat on the back and say right now, "I love me. I'm ok." Now, think about ways you tend to neglect yourself. Do you eat badly? Do you smoke? Do you not get enough sleep or exercise? Do you often say negative things about yourself--"I'm too fat, I hate my hair, I can't do ___." Turn some things around. Think of things you are GOOD at, take a look in the mirror and see your good features. Remember some good compliments others have given you, and make the decision to love yourself--you and your loved ones will be glad you did.

5 comments:

Joan said...

Just the random ramblings of a "desperate housewife"--an outlet for a mom who doesn't get out much?

Time to change your bi-line. You are a skilled encourager and writer!

I know, it's meant to be self deprecating and funny...still, I really value what you do here, and hope you do, too.

This speaks to me today. I laid on my bed a couple times, still tired and prayed, "Lord, love me. I just need to receive your great love for me today."

Well, gotta run, more laundry piled than I'll ever wade through. If I'm not out in ten days, somebody come get me and just commit me.

Mag

Mysti said...

Laundry--the neverending story. Thanks for the good comments--makes it easier to love myself ;)

Glad I'm inspiring someone. Most days, I'm really just trying to inspire myself. Self-help sorta thing.

Mama said...

Dear DH: I enjoyed the post today. I hope you don't mind me poking around your blog. A good word for me at a good moment.
I need to work a lot on the loving myself thing---so much "anti-me" stuff from some and so much criticism for what some consider "me-centeredness" that I don't even know what genuine, allowed, loving oneself means.
Thanks for this post.
CJ

Mysti said...

You're very welcome to look here. I'm so glad to inspire. I think loving ourselves doesn't mean tooting our own whistle, but loving us more the way God does. We use and appreciate the gifts and talents God gave us. We love ourselves enough to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls, so we can be the people God created us to be.

Anonymous said...

hi misty, i really liked this post. thanks for sharing :-)
got here through maggie's blog again.
love Diana