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Love thy self as thyself

Megha Bajaj has found joy in loving herself unconditionally. Wanna give it a try?

I love myself.

I really love myself.

There! I have said it. Without a shy giggle or an awkward smile. Without shame or embarrassment. Without trying to make a joke out of it or trying to imply that I don’t mean it. With a sense of wonder, with awe—I accept.

I love myself.

I really love myself.

What is love which does not begin with the self? How can one ever love another, until their own cup is brimming, overflowing, flooding?

I love myself, I realise, not because I have arrived. But because I am ‘me.’ I am no longer measuring myself up to another’s life, journey, or destination; rather, I am standing and watching my own with a half-smile, wondering: wow, did all this really happen to me and through me?

I love myself—with my flaws. With the hair that refuses to listen and the smile that pops up in the strangest of situations. With the nails that chip so easily and the height and breadth that is so me. I don’t always think the right thoughts, but I strive. I don’t always feel alright, but I get it right often enough. I have lazy days. And mean days. And simply awful days. And yet, through it all, I love myself. If I don’t accept myself as I am, who else will? And which aspect of life is flawless? By design, we are what we are. Straight. Crooked. And everything in between.

I love myself—for my past and my future. Of course, I have made mistakes. Got it wrong. Fallen. Dusted myself and got up yet again. I love my past for all that went right, and wrong, because the one who stands before you got created by every experience. I bear my successes and failures with a proud smile. They created me and I am not embarrassed by them. I love myself for what the future holds for me. Oh, there will always be a few reasons to complain, and yet, there will also be a million, to smile and feel grateful. And I trust myself, to choose the latter, as often as I can. I am waiting for the future me with excitement because I love and trust the past and present me.

I love myself—just like that. Not because I did it right. Or didn’t fumble this time. Not because you love me or he said I am great. Not because of the trophies or the accolades. For if I love myself for a reason, what will I be left with once the reason dissolves? I love myself—just like that. Because I am. A tiny bit of God in this form and frame. This role and name. Experiencing life through my fingers, my hair, my entire being, in every moment. 

I love myself. 

Just. 

Like. 

That.

I love myself.

I really love myself.

I feel no guilt in saying this. Neither am I afraid of the judgments. Self-love is the best gift anyone can give themselves. It all begins here. With me. With this breath, this heartbeat, this me—right now, right here. I watch the girl in the mirror with her blazing eyes and dreams that shine so bright and tell her once more: “Hey beautiful, I love you.”

Megha Bajaj is a bestselling author, film script writer and poet. 
An ardent seeker at heart, she also runs her online writing and healing workshops called WoW. You can read more about her on www.MeghaBajajWoW.com.