Be the parent you need, to yourself

Our parents or caretakers growing up took care of us the best they could with what they had and what they knew at that time. Many people are blessed to have had caring, loving, compassionate, affectionate, patient and encouraging parents (or caretakers). However, a lot of people, especially from previous generations or certain cultures didn’t have that. They were told how to behave, what to do and what to be (for example, what career to pursue or who and when to marry).

Some children were disciplined with fear. Their needs or desires were barely heard. They learned to abandon themselves in order to survive the lack of compassion and acceptance from their childhood environment and please other people’s expectations and desires. Otherwise, they were categorized as “difficult” or “bad” and would suffer the consequences of that judgment.

What the world needs is love. Children can be disciplined with love and should be taught to love themselves. The love for self is the foundation for the love of others. Our relationship with ourselves is reflected in our relationship with others. When we love ourselves we can love others better. Otherwise, our relationship with others suffers from a lack of love, compassion, understanding…

Be the parent to yourself that you needed as a child or that you need at the moment. If you need a caring parent, be that to yourself. What would that parent ask you or do for you? Then do that for yourself and observe how you feel after. Do you need to be soothed? Soothe yourself. Do you need to be encouraged, understood, pampered? Encourage yourself. Try to understand yourself. Pamper yourself. Do you need a parent to push you to achieve a goal? Push yourself. Positive self-talk is quite important to improve your relationship with yourself. Do you need to feel respected, accepted? Respect yourself. Accept yourself fully, your flaws, your past, your mistakes, etc.

In another post, I will discuss the importance of self-acceptance and self-respect in the practice of self-love.

Practising being a parent to yourself will make you feel balanced, emotionally and mentally. You will develop confidence in yourself. You will feel at peace, knowing you can take care of yourself when needed. You have your back. Let your soul guide you. You and your soul can make a powerful team if you trust it.