Agape

I talk to people about "agape", having unconditional love for others. You know, the kind of love you have for your child. No matter what your child does or says, whether they are an A student or D, an all-star or a bench warmer, we love them just the same. I now understand we need to extend that same love to ourselves. It was brought to my attention the other day by someone much smarter than me that it doesn't matter if I failed at my quest to run 50 miles or that I didn't make a connection with a group I was speaking to. I have a tendency to define who I am and attach my self-worth to my accomplishments. But my perceived failures are only opportunities for growth, not a reflection of who I am. I should be no less of a person in my own eyes.
We are constantly talking to ourselves, she reminded me, and what we say to ourselves needs to be positive and uplifting. We should acknowledge ourselves when he do good and pick ourselves up when we fall short. Much like exercise and eating healthy, this too can become a habit. One that will lead to us not only having unconditional love for others, but for ourselves.