Messages of Love

As a co-dependent, one of the hardest realities for me to accept was that I am worthy of love and life's richest blessings.

I don't know how I ever started believing that I was unworthy and undeserving of the good and the wonderful things that are available in life.

Some of it came out of my divorce. Some of it came from religious legalist. Some of it came from people who wanted to hurt me for one reason or another. But the message I received is not accurate.

As a human being, I am deserving of self-love and love from others. I am permitted to recognize the good in me and seek ways to continually develop my capacity for giving and receiving love. I am worthy of healthy relationships. I am a worthwhile person, no matter what anyone else says or does. I don't have to believe or accept the negative messages that others send my way. I don't have to sellout my self-esteem to the values or expectations of anyone who happens to overlook or refuse to see the good in me.

If you have negative people in your life who are sending you messages that you are inferior in some way, you don't have to believe their lies. If you, yourself, are telling yourself negative messages, you don't have to continue doing so.

My new wife found a little formula that she shared with me. It goes like this. Everyday, give someone (including yourself) each of the following compliments:

You are wonderful
You are beautiful
You are amazing
I'll always love you.

Just think how your life would change if you started telling yourself this everyday. Think how your relationships might improve if you started giving these compliments to the significant others in your life every day.

Thank You, God, for showing me and telling me that I am wonderful, beautiful, and amazing. Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for teaching me to always love myself and to always express positive messages of love to others. Amen.

next: Friends and Lovers