On Self-Love and Swagger: Lessons from My Granddaughter

On Self-Love and Swagger: Lessons from My Granddaughter

This week’s inspiration comes from my granddaughter, Blakely Faye. Her parents sent me this photo (above) of little Blakely Faye kissing baby Blakely Faye. The innocence and simplicity of her unvarnished self-love made me smile deep inside.

My granddaughter is not alone in her passion. The “good book” says we’re supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves, implying that self-care and self-love is vital in our relationships.

How can we love others if we do not love ourselves?

Or, more to the point, as my sister Rachel often reminds me, “You better love yourself because you’re stuck with you.”

Yep! That attitude can keep us looking in the mirror and asking important questions. Are we the kind of person we want to be? The kind of parent, child, sibling, friend, or even professional we want to be?

Do we love that reflection of who we are?

It’s interesting to note that darling Blakely Faye is looking at a picture of her younger self. Beyond the extreme cuteness, there is power in that image.

Can we love our younger self?

There are probably at least a few snapshots we would rather forget. What would happen if we could plant a big kiss of compassion on that youngster in our lives?

Maybe we would be like Blakely and stride more confidently toward our future.

Stride more confidently toward our future

And let go of that darling youngster of the past with a little love and kindness—and a bit of swagger.

a bit of swagger

How about you? How do you show self-love and compassion when you look in the mirror or at a snapshot of the youngster in your past? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

My best–always,

Becky  (Nana B)

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