Show Yourself Some Love

Self-love is defined as an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. It is a proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being. Lest you think that I am speaking of an inflated love of self, or an inordinate pride in oneself, conceit and narcissism, allow me to disabuse you of that thought. Often, we are reluctant to promote self-love, because we confuse it with selfishness. Sara M. Bosworth states, Self-love begins when we observe our actions and words with compassion as if we were our own best friend. When I speak of self-love, I am speaking of a healthy love for ourselves.  

For many years I was a member of Tadda’s Fitness Center. Each week the owner, LaTasha Lewis inspired us to love ourselves.  During our morning workouts she would often shout these words, “Show yourself some love.”  In fact, she shouted these words during some of the most difficult and intense moments of the exercise routines. LaTasha encouraged us to push through our momentary discomfort as a demonstration of our love for ourselves.

Whenever I heard the words, ‘Show yourself some love’, I was reminded of one of the greatest commandments in the Bible, “Thy shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”  So important is this commandment that it’s stated in the Old Testament twice by God to Moses (Leviticus 19:18; 34).  This commandment is repeated several times in the New Testament by Jesus himself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:33; Luke 10:27) and can also be found in the writings of the apostles Paul and James (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8).

The thing that that I find so interesting about this commandment is the idea that I really can’t “love my neighbor” until I “love myself.”  Often, we are so busy focusing on the needs of others in our families, friends and neighbors at the expense of our own health, goals and dreams.  We make excuses about not having time for ourselves because of the demands of work, school, and professional pursuits.  However, in actuality, we are not as effective with those things if we are neglecting this one truth.  In order to demonstrate love for others, it must begin with oneself.

It's been several years since I was a member of Tadda’s Fitness Center, but I often think of Latasha’s encouragement after a hectic workweek, amid a busy ministry schedule or a week of caring for family and friends.  I will always cherish my years at Tadda’s Fitness Center and appreciate Latasha for reminding me that I could not accomplish all that I do for others if I did not “love myself.”   

I encourage you to “Show Yourself Some Love…”

Dr. Toni Alvarado