In the fall of 2021, I was teaching yoga at an elementary school.

At the end of a meditation in a third-grade class one 

afternoon, I told the children to give themselves 

a self-hug and say, “I love myself.”

A little girl immediately raised her hand and said, 

“My brother says that if I love myself it’s selfish.”

I replied, “There are many people who would agree with 

your brother, but loving yourself is not actually selfish. 

When we are selfish, we only think about ourselves. 

But loving ourselves means that we take care 

of ourselves. When we take care of ourselves, 

we have even more to give to others.”

When we take care of ourselves, we also give 

more joyfully, because it is easier to give from 

a full cup than an empty one. 

Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you. 

Unconditional love means to love without any conditions. 

Everyone wants to be loved that way, so why do we 

think that it is selfish to love ourselves that way? 

As I learn to love myself and embrace my perceived 

imperfections, I notice that my love and compassion

 for the world, and for all of the people in it, increases.

 Witnessing this shift in myself makes me believe that 

authentic self-love is the key to creating a patient, kind world. 

Teaching children how to love and care for themselves

is the most valuable lesson we can offer them.

 The best way to teach them is to love and care for ourselves.

Children learn from our example.

When we are gentle, patient, and kind to ourselves, 

they learn how to treat themselves that way. 

- - -

Self-Love Affirmations:

I love and accept myself exactly as I am. 

Loving myself unconditionally unlocks 

my ability to love others unconditionally. 

When I take good care of myself, I inspire 

others to take good care of themselves. 

I treat myself the way I want others to treat me.

I deserve to be loved and appreciated.

I let myself receive love and support when I need it.

All parts of myself deserve to be loved and heard.

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"You yourself,

as much as anybody in the entire Universe,

deserve your love and affection."

~ Buddha

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A flower takes the nutrients that it needs in order to grow. We do not call it selfish.

It is okay for you to meet your needs, too.

When you take care of yourself, you add even more beauty to the world.

This is a photo that I took of one of my mom's sunflowers a few summers ago. 💛

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May you always feel the love that surrounds you.

www.livinglovewithlaura.com

🩷🩵💜

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