It took me a long time to learn what loving myself truly meant. I thought love was so many things: pleasing others, saying yes when I meant no, swallowing my true feelings, putting myself last. What I didn't know is that I was practicing resentment, anger, fear, jealousy and everything BUT love. I did not love others because I did not love myself.

Then I decided to take care of me first. I considered no one but me, took care of me, or so I thought, while alienating myself from those close to me. I ate compulsively to tame the self-loathing I felt inside. And I loathed myself because I did not treat myself with love and kindness.

Today I know that loving myself must come first. If I love myself, I am better to everyone in my life because I do things from a place of honesty. If I treat myself with respect, I treat others with respect. Everyone wins when I love myself enough to accept myself ... flaws and all.

One day at a time ... I will ask my Higher Power for the ability to accept and love myself for where I am at this day, knowing I am a work in progress, a tree that grows from self-care and nurturing. ~ Melissa ~

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