Sunday, March 29, 2009

Golden Rule

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Love your neighbor as yourself. But there is something we often miss in these two statements. Both assume that you love yourself FIRST. It’s so easy to push beyond our limits when we do it in the name of love and care. Take a look at your life right now. Now, pretend that what is happening in your life-your chronic illness, your trials and tribulations, your stresses-are happening to your best friend. What advice would you give them? How would you help them? What stops you from treating yourself in that loving manner? A sense of responsibility? Inability to see options? Rugged individualism? Pride? Unreasonable expectations? Noble self-sacrifice? There are always choices if you are willing to look beyond your preconceived notions about things.

Be kind and gentle with yourself. Love yourself so that you will be able to love your neighbor!

1 comment:

Josie said...

I found your blog on a google search. Thank you for this post. It is an excellent reminder that when we are consistently dealing with the uphill battle of life, be it trials, illness, pain, or loss, we can't afford to continues to be our own worst critics. I'm just a 24 year old kid that has a long way to go, and reading through your blog has provided me with some insight I'm grateful for.

I hope you find some large feast of joy this Thanksgiving season.