Lessons in Self Worth From a 4 Year Old

Recently my four year old son, Harrison, said something to me that made me immediately stop and write a reminder in my phone. He said:

"I love myself. You have to love yourself so you can love peoples."

And I was just shocked at the wisdom that had come out of this tiny little body. I mean, I think we all know, logically, that this is true. It's the same idea as putting on your oxygen mask before you help others. You have to be in the right frame of mind yourself before you're able to support others.

But to just hear it laid out so clearly (and in such a sweet little voice), it astounded me. And it made me think - how often do we just say, out loud, “I love myself?” I know I don't regularly, do you?

If you are someone who struggles with loving themselves the way that Harrison does, I wanted to give you a few suggestions today.

Remembering Your Love for Yourself

Make yourself a brag sheet.

Put a note in your phone, or in your planner, and brag on yourself. Think about something that went well each day, that you accomplished, and write that down. You'll have a record of how you are improving and moving forward.

Write yourself an affirmation.

I know sometimes affirmations can seem very woo-woo. But also, they are such an excellent way to remember what makes you, YOU. Write yourself an affirmation or two, and put it where you'll see it frequently throughout the day. Here's a couple of examples:

I am enough because I exist.

My value does not depend on the “because”.

I am loved by those who know me.

Remember that tomorrow is another day.

Maybe today didn't go the way you'd hoped. That's fine. Tomorrow is a brand new day to try again. Not every day is going to feel good. But please, just keep pushing. Keep showing up. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. It'll be hard, but you are worth the effort.

Loving yourself is one of the hardest, but most important things we can do. Not only for ourselves, but for those around us. In the wise words of Harrison Hartley, “You have to love yourself so you can love peoples.”