love more.

It's not that easy to just love.

When you are 31 and have seen too much, felt too much, lost too much and you feel heavy with the weight of the problems of the world. But like Mother Theresa said, love until there is no more hurt only more love.

The more I learn about my mental illness and see it as a struggle rather than a disease I find it easier to love not only others , but most importantly myself.

Love does not have to be draining.

Open your heart up instead of keeping it in a cage. I went to a Reiki Master and she told me this. If I let my heart out of it's cage just a little, I'll bring a lot more peace in my life. And she was right. This does not mean open my self to the toxic people I have learned how to shut out. Nor does it mean just fall in love with everyone. The lesson and experience here is be kind. Everyone is struggling with something. At the end of the day or week, go home and decompress. It feels good to have compassion for others and it feels good to still take care of yourself.

Love your self FIRST.

We all are told this over and over again. Even if you can learn to like yourself, that is a good start. That is a wonderful start.

General rules to live by- so that you can love yourself:

SELF CARE

1. if it feels wrong , don't do it.
2. say "exactly" what you mean.
3. don't be a people pleaser.
4. trust your instincts.
5. never speak badly about yourself.
6. never give up on your dreams
7. don't be afraid to say "no".
8. don't be afraid to say "yes".
9. be kind to yourself.
10. let go of what you can't control.
11. stay away from drama and negativity.
12. LOVE