The Top 3 Ways to LOVE Yourself

Here we are at the start of 2021! Woo-hoo! 2020 is behind us. Let's make a conscious choice to leave it there, please. If you have known me for any length of time you have heard me talk about the "flight attendant" mentality. You must first secure your mask before helping other passengers on your journey through life. This is so appropriate with us in the midst of Covid, right?

How are you doing in life? Are you constantly being poured out to your family, friends, and/or job? Are you taking the time you need to replenish your vessel to continue being poured out into the lives, situations and circumstances you encounter on a daily basis? If your answer to these questions is yes or no, please read on.

I want to give you 3 ways to LOVE yourself, and keep your vessel continually FULL to be ready when life gives you opportunity to pour yourself out to those in need in your sphere of influence. These moments are called "Divine Appointments". Moments God offers us to reflect His Glory in and through our life. Moments to point the ones we're serving to the One holding it all in His hands, Jesus.

Mentally Grounded for Your Day

Mental health is vital to everyone. Here is a great use of the "Flight Attendant Mentality" - First secure your mask, before helping other passengers. If you are not breathing, what life or perspective do you have to offer another? Dead silence...Nothing! You must make a conscious decision to secure your mask to be able to breathe freely. Thus, you are fully equipped to help another in need.

Start your day by meditating on a Bible verse or positive quote. This sets the tone for your day, and offers you fuel for when negative/self-defeating thoughts or assumptions come your way. It doesn't have to be long, but I do suggest it is something to point you in a positive direction. You can quickly bring to mind the verse or quote to readjust your mask to once again breath freely with a clear focus for what's ahead.

Consider this part of your wardrobe. It is putting on your belt of "Truth" (Ephesians 6:14). You might as well be fully adorned with your spiritual armor on a daily basis found in Ephesians 6:10-18, vs. 11 "Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!"

I love being a positive influence in regards to perspective. One's perspective is based upon their life experiences, both good and bad. The influences in our society are constantly luring us to focus on the negative, and what you don't have. My glass will always be half-full, never half-empty. I continually give room to expand my perspective to receive all the good this life has to offer us in the midst of the struggles and challenges. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!

LAVISH YOURSELF WITH GRACE

Progress over Perfection is essential in the area of self-love. Be easy on yourself. Allow yourself to be fully human under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit or "Comforter" was given to all in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit unleashed signs that made people wonder, and pointed them to the Savior, Jesus.

Much of life is spent meeting the needs of everyday existence, right? We maintain our physical body through sleep, exercise, and fueling our bodies with food. Work is a destination many know, which is a much-needed resource for most to provide a place to lay our head, pay for the gym memberships or workout equipment, and the nutrition (or not) to empower us to live and thrive in this life. And the most important need in the midst of this journey through life involves our spiritual life, that part of us created to live forever, but is housed in our earthly body while we occupy a physical existence here on the earth.

I am talking about giving yourself grace to choose Jesus as the Leader of your life. It's the most important decision you will ever make. Life is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Pace yourself. Your destiny depends on you charting the course, and navigating the landscape and weather to come out on top by God's design. We must read the manual, the Bible to know the Author and his best intentions for our lives.

DAILY BEING THERE FOR SOMEONE

I have been known to say that one excels in life when they operate with this "flight attendant" mentality... making sure to secure your mask before assisting others. Hopefully after the first two points you have your mask in place, and you're breathing easy. Now, is the time with your own mask secure and in place to reach out to be of assistance to someone in need. We are in a time where everyone has needs. I am not saying to walk away from your priorities, but to schedule a time on your calendar where you are looking for a time to meet someone's needs, both big and small. When you schedule this activity on your daily calendar, you are making it a priority. This will empower you this year to move forward in all that God has for you.

Here's to the amazing adventures in store for you and I during 2021. I am so excited for us to realize our self-worth, embrace our identity (in Christ), and unleash our destiny to be an extension of God's Kingdom. We're in this together. Life is all about community. You were created in the image of God to be a reflection of His glory!