Importance of self-love

Posted by admin in Blog (Weekly), Blogs

Jan
19

This week is the 10th anniversary of moving to Maui. It’s hard to believe I have been living here for 10 years and so much has changed; I’m a married woman, live in a beautiful home overlooking the ocean, and we just published our book together. I could never have imagined what my life looks like today.

I came across a magazine advertisement this week that was written 10 years ago, the week before I moved to Maui. It said, “Join Pat Hastings on Norwegian Spirit Holistic Cruise – Pat was selected to be one of the speakers on the Holistic Cruise to Mayan Country. During the cruise, Hastings will present “How to Say No to Others and Yes to Yourself.” I met so many wonderful people and have many fond memories of the fun we had.

There was a time when I didn’t say no to others because I thought it was selfish. I put others first and me last. I looked to others for my answers, rather than go within. If I hadn’t learned this skill of saying no and how to love myself, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have no problem saying no today and speaking up if something doesn’t feel right.

I believe keeping our vibration high (in gratitude, peace, and love) at this time of such “unrest” is crucial for ourselves and the world. We are given the opportunity to choose love or fear in all areas of our lives. It’s not that we don’t feel our feelings and do a spiritual bypass. We allow ourselves to feel sad, angry, disappointed, or fearful. We feel our feelings and then let them go and trust in the divine plan for our lives. There is nothing we can do about what is happening on the “OUTSIDE” of us. All we can control is what is happening “INSIDE” of us.

We keep our vibration high through self-care and self-love. If we don’t love ourselves, we will not be able to love others. Below are ways to practice self-care. I invite you to look it over and pick 1 or 2 to practice. Ask Spirit for help and to show you which area is most important for your growth and highest good.

I see my growth and where I’ve grown with saying no, asking for what I want, setting boundaries, and spending time alone. Spirit is inviting me to practice “stepping back.”

What do I mean by practicing “stepping back?”

I give my opinion ONLY when asked.
I don’t judge others, especially when they have a different perspective or behavior (mask-no mask, vaccine-no vaccine, etc.) I may not like or approve of another’s choices and behaviors, but it is their journey, not mine.
I don’t gossip, especially in the name of love.
I don’t complain, but “accept what is” and focus on what I do have.

For example, I was taking my walk on the path today. I started to judge and tell myself a “story” about someone who didn’t stop to talk to me (especially when I see them talking to others.) When I became aware I was judging the person and telling myself a “story” I stopped myself and chose love instead.

It’s impossible to “step back” and not judge or complain on my own power. I know I will slip many times. The key is to become aware when I’m judging or complaining and forgive myself and ask Spirit for help. It motivates me to realize that when I judge another person, I am judging MYSELF because we are ONE and connected.

I made an important decision this week without consulting Larry first. When I shared it with him, he asked, “Do you want my opinion?” I looked at him and said, “Thank you, but I’m not asking for your opinion.” It felt so empowering to speak my truth and to trust my own counsel and God’s guidance within. I’m grateful he wasn’t defensive and has learned he doesn’t have to fix me.

Let us remember the truth of who we are and who God is in our lives. This is the “Great Awakening” and it will be ugly at times as darkness comes into the light. You and I are the light in the darkness and are invited to shine our lights to show the way for others. We are safe and protected and our faith will carry us through the storms.