Do Unto Others As You Would Do To Yourself

Have you ever thought how terrible the world would be if you treated other people the way you treat yourself?  If we said the things to others that we say to ourselves?

We need to stop.

I recently had a friend ask me how I overcame some personal demons and kept my self-esteem on the up-and-up.  I shared with her that I am constantly reminding myself of all of my accomplishments, no matter how big or small.  Every time I complete a workout at the gym, I congratulate myself on the way out the door.  Every time I get through an especially long day of work, I head to my car rejoicing in my head, "I did it!  I made it!"  Every time I help a person in need, I think, "I did something good."  Even when I "fail," I remind myself how awesome it is that I tried. 

But how many times to you find yourself thinking, "I look fat.  I am stupid.  I shouldn't be allowed to speak in public because of the idiotic word vomit that spews forth.  I will never be a success.  I am failing at everything I do.  Other people my age are far better off than me.  My parents would not be happy with me.  What is the point?"  

Would you tolerate anyone saying those things to your friends?  What about someone saying those things to your face?  No.  No you would not tolerate it.  Why then is it okay to treat yourself this way? 

We have often heard "Love thy neighbor as thyself."  The key is to "Love...thyself."  Try it out.  Try defending and uplifting yourself as you would defend and uplift those you love. Just like any relationship, some parts will be a struggle, but exponentially rewarding in the end.

People I love at my bday party in 2010