When was the last time you told yourself, ‘I love you’, and meant it with all your being. When was the last time you cried that release of emotions, and instead of being angry with yourself or having a feeling of being weak, thanked yourself for being brave and strong enough to let it go. Releasing a trauma to the universe and ended those tears, with a smile, does it feel familiar?
In this blog, we are going to look at a first potential step to finding our way back to loving the self. Has the poem by Spike Milligan come to mind yet? Smile.
Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realized I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Beautiful words by the great Spike Milligan and one most of us will have heard before. The premise seems so perfect, but I ask you a different question, when was the last time you looked in the mirror, and smiled at yourself? For that too, is infectious.
Through many of the one to one offerings that I have, I am often faced with discussions around making the self priority, not loving the self or when was the last time you just took a little bit of time out, to recharge and rest. Far too often in this modern society, we have this inner belief that self care is selfish, and to do it is a luxury we cannot afford. Any self care can leave us feeling guilty, or like we have not achieved something because of the time lost. This circle of self punishment is instilled in us through work, societal pressures and a look at the Jones’s fear of falling behind.
The poem above to an extent talks about how we can spread so much good, with a simple smile. But if that smile does not come from the heart, then what are we doing to help ourselves? This is where I come back to the question, when was the last time you looked in the mirror, and smiled?
For you see, smiling is infectious. This morning when I got up, I looked in the mirror, smiled and found it deep inside myself to love the person that I am, and the person I am going to be today. Tonight, before I turn off the lights, I will do the same, thankful for the day that has passed, acknowledging the gains I have made, and the strengths I have had to show.
Smiling into the mirror each morning and night, can be the first step in learning to love yourself again. With each day that passes, you will notice your smile carries different emotions. Sometimes, you will fill with joy, other times, you may release a tear. This is not selfish, it is a must in a fast paced world and as you slow down for that moment, learning to love who you are, then just maybe, as you smile through the day, you might spread a smile of love, and get the world infected.
And I leave you with this. On those days, when you look in the mirror, and perhaps feel weak, or exhausted, release the tears and emotions that need to be shed. For it is from here that you can look back up, thank yourself for being strong enough to cry, fill your heart with the love of the self and after a few moments for you, continue your journey.
All my love
Gareth
If you find you need further support, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. Mind, the mental health charity has a full list of support available for many circumstances, full details can be found by clicking the following link.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/
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