As human beings, we all crave love and affection. We want to be loved and appreciated by those around us. But in our quest for love, we often forget one of the most important aspects of love: self-love. It's easy to focus on how others love us, but it's equally important to know how to love ourselves. And that's where knowing your love language(s) comes in.
In the Bible, (Matthew 22:39) Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But how can we do that if we don't know how to love ourselves? We need to know what makes us feel loved and appreciated so we can give ourselves that same love and appreciation.
One of the best ways to do this is by knowing your love language(s). The five love languages - words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch - were first introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book, The 5 Love Languages. By understanding your love language(s), you can learn how to love yourself in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
If your love language is words of affirmation, surround yourself with positive affirmations. Write them down on sticky notes and post them around your home or workspace. If quality time is your love language, make time for yourself every day to do something you enjoy. If acts of service is your love language, delegate tasks and outsource responsibilities to make more time for yourself. If gifts are your love language, treat yourself to something special every once in a while. And if physical touch is your love language, learn how to give yourself comfort by placing your hand on your heart or giving yourself a hug.
It's important to remember that self-love isn't selfish. In fact, it's necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. By knowing your love language(s) and learning how to love yourself in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling, you'll be better equipped to love others as well.
So, let's start prioritizing our own needs and loving ourselves in the way that we deserve. Remember, you can't teach what you don't know. Start by knowing your own love language(s) and go from there.
Coach Indy
