Come te

When left alone to our own devices, enjoying our own company can be a challenge, but why?  Being by ourselves in a quiet house should allow peace and joy to reign, but instead, we feel lonely and sadness sets in our hearts.  Dr. Wayne Dyer, a motivational speaker and author, states that we are only lonely if we don't like the person we're alone with. Wow!....what a bold statement! We don't like ourselves?!  Could this be true? How many of us are in denial?

 

There are many reasons for someone not to like themselves, but the hardest thing to achieve is the realization and acceptance of that fact.  The hustle and bustle of the work day and the needs of our families can keep us from realizing the lack of appreciation of ourselves. Once we figure this out, then we can work on learning how to like ourselves in order for peace and joy to build in our hearts. How do we learn to like ourselves?  Dr. Lickerman states in a Psychology Today article that we need to become people of extraordinary character.  Ignoring the negative opinion of ourselves and treating others with respect, love, kindness, and charity will lead to higher self-esteem.  To build self-confidence and a brighter self-image, Joyce Meyer, a bible teacher and author, recommends accepting ourselves as God’s creation.  Despite past behaviors or failures, we are all special children of God with unique skills and purposes.  We are a "work in progress" and our heavenly Father knows our goodness; believes in our effort; and loves us unconditionally. 

St. Francis de Sales, a 17th century Bishop of Geneva, once said to be patient with everyone, but above all with thyself. He strongly recommended not to be disheartened by our imperfections, but always rise up with fresh courage.  "Mirror, mirror on the wall.........Who is the fairest of them all?"  We are all born with natural beauty, but we all don't have the courage to see our true selves.  Till we are willing to observe and identify the truthful state of our souls; and accept the love of God, we will not find what we are looking for which is joy, happiness, peace, and respect for ourselves.  St. Francis once wrote to a french woman that when we are too intent in our search for something, we can look at it a hundred times without seeing it.  Why is that?  Could it be that we are not searching for the truth?  The truth will set us free.....free to like ourselves.....free to bloom with a palette of joy.....a freedom from loneliness.

St. Francis de Sales pray for my courage.

St. Therese the little flower, pray for my humility.
Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for my heart's desire of joy. 
St. Pio, pray for my heart's truth.
Mother Mary, present my petitions to Jesus. Amen.
- little petunia