What does it mean to be a hero? Some may imagine a comic book character but take away the remarkable costume, the supernatural abilities, and instead focus on the characteristics, you will find that we are not so different from them. Like heroes, we too have the power to feel compassion for others, the ability to provide support for those in distress, and we are able to shine like a beacon of hope that illuminates our best path. What if we were able to help our own selves in this way?
By being your own hero, you are choosing to love and fight for yourself like you would your closest family members and dearest friends. The way you would speak to, support, advocate for, and encourage your loved ones is also the same way you must treat yourself. We are so willing to show kindness and understanding to others, but when the shoe is on the other foot, we find destructive ways to punish ourselves with negative thoughts and insensitive statements.
Taking care of ourselves is not a suggestion, it is a must. When we let ourselves fall apart at the seams, it impacts all facets of our lives. Life will always have challenges and there will be times when we wonder where we stand in the world. It often takes an outsider to put things into perspective for us, whether that be a friend or professional, which then allows us to address problematic issues in manageable portions. We love our heroes because they never give up on us, but it’s never right to simply wait for someone else to save you.
Sometimes it can be hard to find the hero within you because it means looking inwards and evaluating yourself in an honest way. We don’t always like what we see and we don’t always know how to make changes. But if we are willing to educate ourselves in the essential dimension of Self Love, then we open the door to healing and recovery.
Practicing Self Love
Self Love is having regard for your own well-being and happiness, but how does one achieve this? Below are some ways to do just that:
Patience: Recognizing that we are not perfect and sometimes make mistakes. Recovery is not linear, there is an ebb and flow that can at times take unexpected turns. It is important to remind ourselves that change takes time.
Kindness: Using positive self-talk statements that are encouraging, not defeating. “I will grow from this experience.”
Understanding: Some days may be harder than others, and that is okay. Validating your own thoughts and feelings is just as important as validating others.
Strength: When we have the courage to look inwards and process the areas that cause discomfort, we become more self-aware and align with authentic selves.
Confidence: Being true to yourself, meaning not comparing yourself to others or letting the opinions of others’ influence the way you think about yourself.