5 ways to Become a good friend… to yourself
5 ways to Become a good friend… to yourself
One of our best potential friends is facing us in the mirror every day. Sadly, we don’t usually recognize her.
Women tend to see the lack, the tired, the overwhelmed.
What a shame. She is so much more than that, the woman in the mirror. Our reflection holds the promise of a wonderful friend if we give her the chance to shine.
Think about it…
What does a good friend look like?
What are things we long for in a solid relationship?
Kindness. Loyalty. Thoughtfulness, Generosity. Strength.
Suppose we treated ourselves as well as we treat our good friends? Without expectation or judgment.
Can you imagine a day where we gave our own body and spirit a break and enjoyed a good friendship…with ourselves?
Become a good friend to yourself
- Look at ourselves through God’s lens. Determine to consider what the Bible says about us, and let that be our view instead of listening to the world. It can be unkind and even cruel, minimizing our value. But God? His word is always gentle, thoughtful and gracious. We are daughters of the King, never forget this. And if you do? Click here for a free printable of who God says you are
- Be generous of spirit. The kindness of a friend is a valued treasure. Part of that cost lies in the assumption that we aren’t created to master perfectionism, and we need them to cut us some slack occasionally. Do you treat yourself with the same amount of empathy you’d offer a friend? Start today by practicing the delight of imperfection. The world won’t end if we blow it, tomorrow is always a new day. A new chance. So wrap up this day with a little soul hug
- Fight to be loyal to your potential. A good friend doesn’t give up on us. They stand alongside us and put their dukes up against the world, they are on our side. What if WE we loyal to ourselves? How many times do we hear women degrading themselves, while we cringe inside. Because we know that they are missing the point and focusing on what they are not. While all along, we focus on what they are or might yet become? It is worth doing this for ourselves. Be loyal to the one and only unique you
- Laugh. What do we do with our closest friends? We crack up at silliness and the little things. Lighten up. The world has humor for those who seek it. Look for the amusement in the ordinary. Giggle like a child or roar like a crowd. Humor is habit-forming
- Create an environment for rest. The world can come at us fast and hard. Perhaps consider the concept of Hygge, or other ideas for creating coziness
Good friends help lift our spirits
Recently, I felt at the end. of. my. rope.
The weird thing was, this particular week was full of seemingly all good things! We have food and shelter. My marriage is a sweet spot. Our family is healthy and safe. So many things to be grateful for, and I was!
Yet, my spirit was downcast.
I had to do some deep reflection to get to the root of it. The past few weeks have been filled with doctor’s appointments, still ( am ready to be well, instead my patience forgets the progression of health).
I am brain foggy with the tedious coursework to learn new things for the behind-the-scenes on this blog. They aren’t things that come naturally to me. Plus, my heartfelt a bit weary… and honestly?
A little bit on the edge of a pity party, because creating a new life and continually reaching out can be exhausting emotionally. Whaaaaaa, right?
Good friends remind us to care for ourselves too
The amazing thing was…once I realized the problem? I tackled it head-on. My perspective shifted and I rejoiced that I was able to plan some recuperation time. Today? A totally different outlook.
I practiced self-care, reflected on God’s promises, and rested in the peace He generously offered me.
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” ― L.R. Knost
Become a friend to yourself. Treat yourself like you would if you reached out to someone of inestimable value in your life. See that person in the mirror?
She is awesome, celebrate all that she has to offer.
P.S. if you want to read more about what God says about kindness to yourself, check out Calming Grace here
friendship resources you might enjoy:
- The Art of Rest: Faith To Hit Pause In A World That Never Stops
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Have Serious Fun: And 12 Other Principles to Make Each Day Count
- Messy Beautiful Friendship: Finding and Nurturing Deep and Lasting Relationships
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Christian Gratitude Journal for Women: 90 Day Guided Gratitude Journal with Bible Verses and Prompts
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