Self-Love Must Come First

For many people battling addiction feelings of shame, guilt, and sadness are common. People often turn to alcohol when they are unfulfilled with their jobs, struggling with family issues, or going through romantic troubles. When we think about the darkest times and lowest points in our lives, our mindset was most likely unclear and negative. For many of us, we believed we were victims of things we couldn’t control; how we were raised or what other people did to us to make us want to use substances. There was always someone to blame and some problem that made us do the things we did. But as time goes by, we must learn to practice acceptance and gratitude. We should be thankful for having gone through hard times so we can become stronger, better people. We must learn to change negative thoughts and self-speak into positives. Self-love must come first.

It is common for us to be our own worst critics. We set ourselves up for failure with unrealistic expectations and deprive ourselves of things we deserve through self-sabotaging behaviors. Drinking excessive alcohol and using substances only damages us even more. Let’s stop making harmful choices and give our bodies and minds love and nourishment. Let’s change the way we think and how we choose to live. Once we start loving ourselves and accepting the fact that we are not perfect and, only then can we attract goodness and abundance in our lives.

Instead of neglect, let’s connect to something that will feed our minds, like meditation and speaking positive affirmations. Instead of harmful behaviors, let’s work on nourishing our bodies with a good diet and healthy regimen.

In the spirit of the New Year and Valentine’s Day, practice self-love so you can fully accept yourself and build healthy relationships with others. You may be surprised to find that when you are in a space of acceptance and love, you will attract someone who has those same characteristics. I am a firm believer of what you put out in the universe; the universe will give it back to you. If we are in a positive state of mind and accept ourselves for who we are, only then are we able to completely and authentically give and receive real love.

Self-love is required for the abundant flow of light and love in the world around us. “You cannot pour from an empty cup,” is something I always say. You must first be whole within yourself, so you can give yourself completely to others. You can’t wait for someone or something to make you feel complete. It starts with you.