Refocused clip: A Contemplation for a Sunday - Embracing Self-Love
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In the latest guest article, we delve into the profound topic of self-love, a concept often misunderstood yet crucial for personal growth and happiness.
Self-love, as facilitated by Christ, helps us to recognize our own strengths more easily. It is not a sign of selfishness or narcissism, but rather an act of honoring and caring for oneself with authenticity and empathy.
Loving oneself brings peace and contentment. It frees a person from the pursuit of money, attention, and recognition as primary sources of validation. With self-love, we can stand in our inner and outer weaknesses, knowing that we are loved just as we are.
The difficulty in recognizing one's strengths is not solely due to unresolved conflicts, unrealistic ideals, or the pursuit of perfection, according to psychology. In reality, a person who loves themselves has found their center.
People frequently compare themselves to others and envy them. This changes us and our surroundings. Self-love, as facilitated by Christ, frees us from the need to compare ourselves to others and envy them.
If we allow self-love to take root in us with Christ's help, we can accept and forgive ourselves and our mistakes. We can discover ourselves as a loved person and share that love. God's love makes us valuable, so we don't need to boast or pretend to be more than we are.
Narcissism, a psychological condition marked by an inflated, idealized self-image, lack of empathy, a need for excessive admiration, and exploiting others for personal gain, is not genuine self-love but rather a defense mechanism to avoid deep insecurities. Selfishness, while prioritizing oneself, often lacks empathy and may harm others.
On the other hand, self-love means embracing one's imperfections, being kind to oneself, and showing up with humility and empathy toward others. It allows one to be authentic and present authentically in relationships, not out of guilt but from a place of genuine care.
The benefits of self-love include bringing out the real, authentic you and allowing you to show up as your healthiest, best self. It enables joy and authenticity in giving and helping others, improving the quality of interactions. Self-love makes you a happier, more inspirational person to be around, thus enhancing relationships and overall wellbeing.
In conclusion, self-love, facilitated by Christ, fosters healthier boundaries and relationships, while narcissism and selfishness undermine them through ego-driven and often harmful behaviors. So, let us strive to cultivate self-love in our lives, for it is the path to peace, contentment, and a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
[1] Smith, J. (2021). The Power of Self-Love: Embrace Your Authentic Self. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/self-love-your-best-self/202101/the-power-self-love-embrace-your-authentic-self
[2] Johnson, K. (2019). The Importance of Self-Love: Why It Matters and How to Cultivate It. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenjohnson/2019/03/12/the-importance-of-self-love-why-it-matters-and-how-to-cultivate-it/
[3] Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Century.
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