I’d like to think that I’ve always had good self-esteem… I’ve always thought “If you don’t love yourself, how are others going to love you?” I think I owe that to my parents, and I’m thankful they raised me that way.
My father has always been biggest cheerleader– telling me I could do whatever I wanted and pushing me to reach for the stars. I think he has loved me so much that that is the standard I’ve set for other people. I guess when you’re surrounded by love, you learn to love yourself and you learn what to expect of others.
My mother always says “quiérete para que otros te quieran.” (Love yourself so others will love you.) She has always been big on self-care; showing me how important it is to take care of mind and body. She’s right. To that, I’d also add: Love yourself so you can love others… because you can’t love others if you don’t love yourself first.
Of course, it wasn’t always like that..when I was in junior high school I thought I had fat legs and hated my glasses and braces. (What 13 year old wouldn’t?)
What made me love myself despite the braces and the glasses was definitely the love that I was surrounded by- the fact that I had people who supported me and nurtured me.
Now that I’m grown up, I’d like to think I’m comfortable in my skin… I absolutely love myself, fat legs and all– after all these years, I’ve even learned to embrace my glasses… Who would’ve ever thought??
I married the only guy who ever saw me in my natural state, and finds me beautiful.
And now, I have a little man who finds me beautiful all the time– glasses and all. When he says “estás linda mamá” (You’re beautiful mama) it makes my heart melt. With the kinds of hugs and kisses he gives me, it’d be impossible to not love myself.
The love I was surrounded by helped me love myself. What’s the take away? Surround yourself with people that lift you up, tell you you’re worth it, because you are—EVERYONE is worth it.
If you think you’re not– seek help– I assure you– you mean something to somebody, you just may not know it yet.
Take some time to love yourself! And take some time to tell the people you love, how valuable and special they are, especially the children in your lives!
How do you #lovurself? Share below, or tweet me, @dianalimongi … Spread the love!
This was written in support of the #loveurself movement created by Randi Klein. If you would like to join, check it out here.
