Find yourself then Love yourself

When I worked in the bank, one of the first things we did when we were with a customer was to do fact find. The reason for this, was to know our customer, and cater to their every financial need and want, in the most appropriate way and manner.
My ethos is finding you and staying true to the person you have found.
We live in a society of people pleasers, we want acceptance from people, and living one’s life this way is very dangerous.

The reason is simple; there is a tendency of missing and not fulfilling one’s purpose, mission & destiny in life. What we have to realise is that we did not come to this world with anyone neither would we go with somebody.
I know it’s not the easiest thing to do – boldness to stay true to oneself, but once you have studied the people you are trying to please and people in general, then it is not hard a choice to make.

That’s why it’s crucial that one loves oneself. One thing I have learned about life is that people like to use other people for their selfish reasons. For the most part, they don’t have one’s interest at heart.
Everybody knows the famous Bible verse love your neighbours as you love yourself.
We always focus on the first part, but the second part is equally or even more important, – Love yourself

The impetus for loving one’s self is that it enables us to stay true to who we are, pursuing our passions and things that matter and are meaningful to us.

When we love our self, we accept that I am different and unique and comfortable in my skin.
The courage to welcome what we have found about ourselves and the truthfulness to the observation enables us  see the bigger picture of our lives.
Loving ourselves says I am not living another person’s dream for my life, neither servicing another person’s vision because God has given me an idea.
The Greatest Love of all, lyrics by George Benson – says the greatest love of all is to love oneself, and not to live in any one’s shadow.

The lines in the song are very profound and scriptural, because, if we don’t love ourselves, we can never love our neighbour, neither can we Love God.   I have noticed that fear sometimes makes people live in another person’s image. Please let me remind you that God did not give you a Spirit of fear, but a Spirit of Power, Love and a sound mind.

I know it’s easy to quote scripture, but realise that the Word of God has power and energy,  the positive force of the word comes upon us when we meditate on the appropriate verse.

If you are asking the question, of how does one start by loving oneself?

First, you have to recognise that you are unique, that you are beautiful and wonderfully made.

The second thing would be to identify and be aware of your gifts and realise  God gives gifts for a reason.

If you can’t quickly identify your gifts, then take a step back and write down the things you are passionate about, if that becomes a little challenge, then notice and jot down the things you like doing, your hobbies, the things that lighten you up.

Our purpose is often hidden in our passion, once it’s clear and you know what it is, then comes the breakaway from people and things that could hinder you from reaching your goals.

A lot of times haters, always want you at the same place. It’s just the way it is.
Don’t be afraid if you have to start alone, as you are not alone, God is with you, and the right people will be sent at the appropriate time to help you along your journey.
It easier, to follow the crowd and another person’s dream and vision.
Be courageous, but please beg to differ.

Until next time,  keep Believing, Keep Hoping & Keep Loving
Peace Daniel.