Whilst I may be a comfort to those who confide in me about their mental health or personal problems, I happily give hours/days/months to them and help them get out of the dark place that they’re in, I realised that I needed to show that same support to myself.
In the past, whenever I used to feel down, I didn’t show myself the support and positivity that I would show others, I hated myself. I’m not the only one who can relate to this either, majority of the people who I know are in the same boat. Let’s learn to love ourselves in 2019.
How can we do this?
1. Have a purpose. When you wake up, do you just take each day as it comes, or do you know what you need to do each day? You will accept and love yourself more and whatever is happening in your life, when you live with purpose. If your intention is to live a meaningful and healthy life, you will make decisions that support this intention, and feel good about yourself when you succeed in this purpose.
What is the purpose of our life? “To submit to Allah and worship him and to believe in the messenger of Allah, and follow his way”. This offers a person many aims. The Prophet (saw) was a leader, an activist, a husband, a father, a great politician, a humanitarian, a man who had great (albeit natural) strength. My point is, if we wish to follow The Prophet and his sunnah, this alone offers enough physical, mental and spiritual direction for somebody to achieve great levels of self love and also to live a life full of meaning.
2. Forgive yourself for mistakes/sins made in the past. Don’t ever let your mistakes of the past live in your mind rent free. One of the steps of repentance is to believe in Allah’s mercy!
3. Create a social environment that empowers you, rather than having a toxic circle. The difference between friends who fill you up with positivity and negativity is huge.