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Transformational Talk
Appreciating and Loving Your Whole Self
Do you appreciate and love your whole self? Like some, you may be stuck in seeing only what’s kind, brave and creative about you. Like others, you may be focused exclusively on what’s selfish, timid and couch potato-ish about you. The problem is focusing only on your best self, leads to ignoring and denying the troubled parts clamoring silently for healing. They can then jump out and make a mess when least expected. Focusing only on self at worst, you forget or avoid connecting with resources inside yourself and start withdrawing from others.
Here’s the tip. First, check if you’re prepared to see both sides of yourself. Be tender. Those patterns of denial and avoidance have helped you survive. Bless them. When ready, take out one sheet of paper. Make three columns on each side based on the best and worst qualities mentioned above (or choose your own categories.) Spend five minutes writing on each side. Get a friend to help if necessary. Next, flip the paper over several times to acknowledge all your qualities.
Finally, put this paper in a pocket near your heart. Sit and cross bare fore arms in front of you so hands make contact with your skin. Breathe. Wait quietly until you feel the warmth of your own embrace. Say out loud, I appreciate and love my whole self. Repeat often. Remember, you’re not alone. Everyone has the same two sided sheet whether they know it or not. ©
Penelope Young Andrade, LCSW www.penelopetalk.com Call: 858-481-5752 fax: 858-484-8374 email: PenelopeYAndrade@gmail.com