PHILAUTIA
Love... when you hear that word, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I would venture to guess that for some your first thought was of Storge, a familiar love such as family. Perhaps your children or mother. For a few, you may think of a favorite grandmother or an aunt. However, for most, I would say when you hear the word love you think of Eros, a romantic love. And I would go so far as to say that very few, if anyone thought of Philuatia, love of yourself.
Take a moment and think of how you view yourself. Is what comes to your mind labels that society or others have put on you? As humans we seek connection, but at what price does that connection sometimes cost us? In prison there is a lot of false love. I myself, have been incarcerated 25 years; however, I was imprisoned long before that. It has taken me many years of classes, self-reflection and grace to know there is more to me than what the world says I am. Today, I can confidently say I know my worth. My desire is that anyone hearing this will "not settle" and will seek their worth.
I had a mantra taped to my bathroom mirror for years that read, “I am beautiful and I will keep saying I am beautiful until I believe it." Look within yourself at this moment, throughout this week, this month, find your beauty, seek your worth, and accept nothing less for yourself from anyone. In prison you tend to lose sight of what love is. Often people cling to others, seeking approval and acceptance. People get into unhealthy relationships, even friendships. It's time to accept that you alone are enough. Say it aloud, “I am enough" say it again, louder this time, "l am enough" say this as many times you need to until you believe it.
My challenge for those of you reading this today is for you to choose to pursue Philuatia love, love of yourself! For until you do, you will continue on the treadmill of broken relationships and heartache; and you, my friend, are worth so much more than that. Pursue love, pursue love, pursue love. | CK