I am loving all of the thoughts on love letters that Elizabeth Gilbert is inspiring people to share. And I appreciate your mention of the truth that sometimes we don't love ourselves and perhaps we can just become curious about why rather than fighting it. This creates space, potentially, to move from self-hatred or shame into a more neutral spot that could just maybe eventually lead to self-love. <3 Thank you for sharing your love letters.
I often find it easy to love the "parts" of me rather than me, if that makes any sense. The parts are younger bits of me; they're children, so they're easier to love. They see things from a child's perspective, so it's easier to be gentle with them, to understand why they might be afraid or irrational.
I guess I don't write them letters; I just talk with them and "hold them."
But love letters to myself? That doesn't happen very often. That could be a helpful practice. :)
I agree, it’s easier to be gentle with and compassionate to our “inner child” or (using the IFS terminology) multiple parts of ourselves we recognize as stuck in roles they were forced into when we were children). But our complete adult selves need and deserve love too!
We all have an inner wellspring of love and self-compassion that we can tap into, even when it feels challenging. Your approach, “Love, what do you want me to know or do today?” and listening to that inner voice of love and wisdom is a wonderful way to nurture that connection.
I am loving all of the thoughts on love letters that Elizabeth Gilbert is inspiring people to share. And I appreciate your mention of the truth that sometimes we don't love ourselves and perhaps we can just become curious about why rather than fighting it. This creates space, potentially, to move from self-hatred or shame into a more neutral spot that could just maybe eventually lead to self-love. <3 Thank you for sharing your love letters.
I am loving the letters and other thoughts shared in response to Elizabeth Gilbert’s post, too. Thanks for letting me know you liked mine🥰
I often find it easy to love the "parts" of me rather than me, if that makes any sense. The parts are younger bits of me; they're children, so they're easier to love. They see things from a child's perspective, so it's easier to be gentle with them, to understand why they might be afraid or irrational.
I guess I don't write them letters; I just talk with them and "hold them."
But love letters to myself? That doesn't happen very often. That could be a helpful practice. :)
I agree, it’s easier to be gentle with and compassionate to our “inner child” or (using the IFS terminology) multiple parts of ourselves we recognize as stuck in roles they were forced into when we were children). But our complete adult selves need and deserve love too!
We all have an inner wellspring of love and self-compassion that we can tap into, even when it feels challenging. Your approach, “Love, what do you want me to know or do today?” and listening to that inner voice of love and wisdom is a wonderful way to nurture that connection.
Thanks, Winston. I’m one of many people who use and benefit from this approach to accessing that inner wellspring of love.