Love thyself. Yes. Really, love yourself!
Many of us struggle to love ourselves. And it costs us more than we can afford.
When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), I sought multiple opinions. However, every doctor said MS presents itself unmistakably on a brain MRI. Therefore, it seemed I needed to learn how to handle it. So, I began studying! Little did I know life had just enrolled me in the school of authenticity, where I would experience the power of the connection between the heart, mind, and body.
Are you a friend or foe?
Multiple sclerosis is a condition where the immune system attacks the body. It’s like a home security team attacking the homeowner instead of protecting the home from intruders. Logically, to prevent further damage, doctors suppress the immune system, aka weaken the body’s defenses. Naturally, this leaves the body susceptible to external threats—ideally, only those that are less damaging. When I first heard this, I wrestled with two disturbing questions: Why is my body attacking me? Do I see myself as my enemy?
Unexpected Insight
The answers emerged when I remembered my past. For decades, I lived as a hardcore perfectionist – hypercritical of myself when I fell even slightly short of my unrealistic expectations. For many decades, I never congratulated myself. Instead, I berated myself for every mistake. After many years of such behavior, it seemed apparent why my nervous system believed I was against me and was attacking me.
Are you for me or against me?
Medically, MS is considered a malfunction and dysfunction. However, when I considered the condition with a laywoman’s eyes, I realized a hidden gem: My heart, mind, and body are in sync; so much so that they aligned to attack the perceived adversary. And did so with precision. Unfortunately, I was the one they viewed as an adversary! —— All led me to wonder how far I could go if I became my true friend – one that loves – a person who is for me, not against me!
While medicine can help keep conditions at bay by soothing the body, it cannot heal the soul or mend a broken heart. Only love can do that.
Friend, I began by saying life enrolled me in the school of authenticity. It was a painful excursion because growing is hard. However, I learned an invaluable lesson: We know we are loved when another consistently shows they are for us, not against us. Perhaps, we must also be that person for ourselves. Here, authenticity lives. – Authenticity is an active commitment to not abandon oneself.
For you and to you,
Aké
P.S. My accompaniment for this piece was the enchanting song: Never Give Up by Yolanda Adams.
Image credit: Pixabay | StockSnap
