Love Yourself

Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Self-love means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others

There is a connection between low self-esteem and addiction the two issues are extremely hard to separate, and one easily leads to the other. Low self-esteem is a contributing factor in addiction, and addictive behaviors also destroy self-worth

Low self-esteem has been linked to the start of drug use, and research has also shown a connection between low self-esteem and behavioral addictions including internet addiction, eating problems, and compulsive spending. While alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors can initially mask insecurities and even make people feel more confident, these feelings are short-lived.

Low self-esteem results in self-medicating. In other words, those with low self-esteem turn to drugs to numb pain and escape from reality. These substances are seen as a way of escape. Instead of using your drug of choice, try using some of these tools.

8 Tools For Developing Higher Self-Esteem

• When you make a mistake, it is best to own up to it and correct it, rather than ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen. Self-respect and power come from admitting your mistakes, learning from them and taking corrective action.
• When you look at yourself in the mirror, embrace your beauty rather than pointing out your flaws. When you embrace your own beauty and uniqueness, that is true self-acceptance.
• Take responsibility for your own results instead of blaming others for your problems. Taking responsibility for your thoughts, words, and actions will set you free from the pain of blame and guilt.
• You have the right to express your wants, needs, and self-worth; and have them treated with respect by others. Claim your needs as important and respectfully assert yourself.
• You are capable of creating anything when your life has purpose, focus and direction. You have the potential to be so much more than you might imagine; the most important thing is that your life has meaning for you.
• Keep your commitments to yourself and others. By honoring your commitments, you demonstrate integrity, credibility, and earn respect.
• Positive self-talk empowers you, makes you stronger, and builds confidence. To eliminate negative self-talk: (1) recognize it; (2) interrupt it; and (3) replace it with a positive message
• By trusting yourself, you can keep others’ words in perspective without becoming defensive. Your strong sense of self- worth allows you to maintain your power and still hear what others have to say without feeling bad about yourself.

Be Loved is defined as a much loved person.    1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. (AMP)