Ask Sharon: Be kind to yourself and other people

The Ask Sharon column as it appeared in today’s edition of The Area News, Friday 27 February 2015.

Following is a copy of the full version of the column featured in The Area News complete with the Doreen Virtue Archangel Michael Oracle Card image.

Ask Sharon

Be kind to yourself and other people

LAST week Catherine asked:

“My husband and I are nit-picking at each other more than usual. What can I do to improve the situation?”

The self respect Archangel Michael oracle card is copyright to Doreen Virtue, 2009.

The self-respect card was drawn from Doreen Virtue’s Archangel Michael deck. Today the second part of the answer is about self-love.

Self-love is the mother of all life lessons. When we truly love ourselves we are able to love others wholeheartedly, without conditions or expectations.

Self-love as a concept is nothing new, however, it has become trendy. Recently, it’s featured in many newspapers and magazines. As people search for more meaning and balance in their busy lives, self-love is heralded as the way to achieve both – and much more. One could argue that’s why we are here – to learn about love – how to receive it, how to give it.

All roads lead back to self-love. Not just relationships with other people but our relationship with money, health and our overall happiness.

Some readers might cringe at the very idea of self-love and that’s ok. For many, it’s not something that is instilled in us growing up.

I feel more content as a mother, as a wife, as a business owner, as a soul when I am nurtured and nourished by my own self. It adds value to what I can provide to others.

I’m not suggesting we no longer raise our children and let them fend for themselves, I’m saying that it is healthy for them to see a mother or father who has the time and energy for them because they are not frazzled, burnt out and resentful. So, mastering the art of self-love can be as much about inner peace as it can be about an outer legacy.

Self-love takes many forms. This week’s suggestions are:

• Honouring time and space for yourself (this can create space for others to do the same).
• Be aware of the negative self-talk and turn it into a positive (be kinder with your self-judgements and criticisms).

It does take practice, but it has the power to change every aspect of your life. That’s enough to make it worthwhile to explore further.

Aristotle said it best,

“The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself, the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery.”

Send your questions for Sharon to editor@areanews.com.au

Don’t want to ask a question by email? Simply complete the contact form on this blog. Use the comment box for your question and it will come directly to me.

Only first names will be used unless you complete the form as Anonymous. Ask away…you may be pleasantly surprised by what the cards reveal.

Today’s card has been drawn from the Doreen Virtue Archangel Michael Oracle Cards deck. Image and card is copyright to Doreen Virtue, 2009.

A little extra help from above…

Attached to this week’s card is a prayer to help with any relationship issues:

 “Dear God and angels, thank you for helping me see myself as you see me: through the eyes of love. Thank you for honouring and respecting me – please guide me to do the same for myself, and grant me the courage to speak up on my own behalf. I ask for your protection in all of my relationships so that I am surrounded by loving and kind people.”