so Calebb what was it that went right? Yes pat yourself on back for that...

I have considered reaching my goals to be an important part of loving myself...I set some goals long the way every day it seems...one that got me great warm fuzzy was getting my MA degree done and even though it did not help me with the job I hoped I would move into it did give me a sense of accomplishment that warmed me up a bunch...because I was so proud to have been the first in my family to get a Masters degree....my niece followed me with hers in Nursing and being a nurse practitioner which hers helped with her income levels....big congrats to her.....she did better than me!

I think we cannot give love to oneself. We need touch from another person. We need kind words from others.Do things to yourself does not make you feel something. All these years I tried to find something to make me feel better. I tried the things that I do it alone. It does not work.

that why we need a therapist to help us. We cannot do surgery to yourself.

Bill, I don't recall. It was a minor thing. Maybe doing an adjustment on my bicycle which held; where half the time such adjustment would have to be redone the next day. Say on the rearview mirror.

I sure admire ppl /w Master's. --Beyond me. Altho if someone can enjoy a dry classic novel like Moby Dick, he or she is able to communicate with a wider range of ppl. (I'm a Faulkner enthusiast.)

Compared to those impressed with Walter Farley ('The Black Stallion'); ...fewer who share.

(I once owned a book store:) ppl in other countries and of all ages can like Melville. --And thus have something in common.

Altho I do, yes, have long-range goals, I feel bogged down often..

// Forgive please my keyboard a cramped touch screen tablet..and bad grammar. It's a headache . . lol

Thats cool you owned bookstore and like reading.... I dont care much for reading books!
Hugs

Aww, heck. Back a couple weeks ago...
:)
Maybe I'm gonna cry

OTOH,

walking tall as can be and pulling the shoulders back a lil', plus awareness -- enjoying it like a yoga exercize -- can
be loving one
self. Yes?

I have never been able to love myself, but yes I think giving yourself a pat on the back is loving yourself. :)

I agree, accomplishing something, anything, then giving yourself a pat on the back, then rewarding yourself by allowing yourself to relax, be lazy, veg and get some quality sleep, for at least a day, is a way to love yourself.

Also, monitoring what we allow into our bodies and minds is a way to love ourselves. Eat quality food, limit our time watching bad, crappy news stories and listening to or participating in negative gossip, reading about new technology and positive spirituality, physical exercise.

Sometimes the way to love ourselves is to externalize ourselves, put ourselves into something outside ourselves in a positive, loving way. Expands our horizons about ourselves and our powerful effect on the external world.

Doesn't feeling proud of yourself feel wonderful? And you so deserve to feel that way. I know what you mean about perfectionism and being "poor" so to speak. There is absolutely nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back for doing something that makes you feel proud of yourself. It's actually very healthy. When I was feeling depressed but decided to get my music and headphones and walk for a long distance, I found pride in myself for accomplishing something that even though caused me a lot of physical pain, it did help me to find wonderful emotional happiness and pride for walking a long distance. Think aloud as often as you can!!! Hugs GB

Ye-feeling proud of oneself! And of course I don't have the opportunities -- compared to some of the ppl who have families and have careers -- for lots of pride-experiencing.

It's to be savored when that does happen.

As extra-good food comes one's way. (Omelet?, shrimp?) Not to be disregarded but rather to be enjoyed thoughtfully.

And grasp every possible chance for feeling proud of my- (anyone's-)
self.