Speaking notes
If you made a list of everything you love, would you include your own name on the list?
If you’ve been out shopping you’ve probably noticed the next major holiday is Valentine’s Day.
(Public Service Announcement) Men: She probably doesn’t want flannel pajamas or a giant Teddy Bear.
The advertisers try to sell you on how to show your love to “that special someone” in your life.
And they have a vested interest in keeping you focused on loving other people. They don’t want you thinking about the most important person you should love – YOURSELF
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I was talking with a client this week as she was helping her 5 yo son make Valentine’s cards for his class.
He said, “Where’s the card for me?”
She explained that Valentine’s was about showing love for others.
He said, “But I love myself. I should make a card for me.”
Given what I know about our world, I’m afraid he will lose this attitude by the time he grows up.
The only place you’re supposed to help yourself first is on an airplane.
Our natural inclination is to be selfish.
And we have to be taught how to get along with others.
Parents, school, church
Jesus
Others
Yourself
Jesus – Greatest commandment
Added the second – Love your neighbor as yourself.
Most miss the point: You have to love yourself first.
The JOY formula means we treat others better than we treat ourselves.
You have to love yourself first before you can love others.
When you don’t love yourself you look for other people to love you in an attempt to feel whole.
This feeds the money machine as the corporations convince you to buy chocolate, cards, Teddy Bears, and pajamas.
Question: How do you love yourself without becoming a selfish jerk?
- Take care of yourself first.
Value yourself enough to be secure in your own skin.
Become the best version of yourself, so that your identity is internal rather than external.
If you’re constantly looking outside yourself for who you are then your love will become selfish.
- Work to be the best version of yourself so you can serve others.
Airplane: your mask first, then help others.
Loving yourself means you’re living from your true identity.
If your identity is that of a selfish jerk, then it will show.
But you always have the choice about who you are.
Loving yourself includes paying attention to who you are and making yourself be better.
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