How the Love of Another Means Nothing Without the Love of Yourself

By Michelle:

I am a big proponent of self love, self care and finding your own inner peace inside of you. I know that we are the only ones who can make us happy.

One example of this theory revolves around my husband Ed. I met him 19 years ago. I was divorced and had two young sons despite only being 25 myself. He was unlike any of the guys I had dated before. He was polite, clean cut, quiet, thoughtful, and so caring. He was so cute with my kids and loved that I was a mom.

It didn't take long before I knew that he was the perfect person for me and that I was going to marry him and make a life with him.

Everything I thought about him in the beginning was true and yet he was even better than I imagined. He is the most loving man I have ever met. He is quick with a compliment and dotes on me every day. He calls me twice a day during the week amd his eyes light up when he sees me after a long day of work. He supports me, loves me unconditionally and will do anything to make sure I'm happy. He is truly a dream come true!

And yet, there was a time when I couldn't let that in. I was unable to appreciate him and to some degree I didn't feel worthy of his attention. I was shut off to his love to some degree.

Now don't get me wrong. We had a nice life. We had 3 more beautiful boys, we lived in a great house, had great friends and on the surface everything was great.

But underneath, I wasn't as happy as I could be. Here I had everything I could ever want...and I do mean everything...and yet I wasn't happy. I had this great guy who loved me and these amazing children who loved me and I couldn't really feel it. What was missing?

Looking back now I realize that the missing link was my inability to love myself. Once I had my healing crisis and started on my path of healing and growth, things began to shift and my heart began to open more and more.

I started practicing gratitude and I was able to see my husband with new eyes. I began opening up to him and sharing parts of me I thought were so ugly no one could love. I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

And in the process of learning to love myself, our love grew stronger and stronger and I have to tell you that right now, I can't imagine our relationship being any better. I feel like a princess living a dream life with my Prince Charming. And I know that none of this would be possible if I didn't learn to heal myself, take care of myself, and love myself.

Today is my husband's birthday and we will be celebrating it together as a family and showering him with the love he is oh so worthy of.

I want to invite you to open your heart and let the love flow in honor of the greatest man I know. Let's make today a love fest in honor of my wonderful husband. Share the love with someone close to your heart today and especially send some love your own way!

Xoxo