Embracing Self-Love: A Simple Mirror Exercise

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I was at the wash hand basin in the restroom when Darius entered. He greeted me with his customary broad smile and I reciprocated. As he started grooming himself I noticed something prevalent and asked, “Why didn’t you smile?" This seemed to startle him since he had just smiled at me.



Before he could say anything I clarified “Why didn’t you smile at yourself when you looked in the mirror?”. His confused expression indicated he didn't understand. He was like “Smile at myself? How, for what?” Are you also confused?

To help him grasp my point, I suggested an exercise. "Think carefully and list three people you love the most. You don’t need to tell me who they are. Just let me know when you have the list."


You too can join Darius in this exercise.

It's an established truth that loving oneself is crucial for self-esteem and being able to love others. If you promised someone mangoes or oranges, how could you fulfil that promise if you had none? Similarly, how can you love others if you don't love yourself? You have to be on a list of people you love. Even the scriptures say ‘You should love others as you love yourself.

Think about how you feel and react when you see the people on your list. You don’t frown or only see blemishes as we are wont to when we look in the mirror. They make you feel great, and I’m sure you smile. So, if you included yourself on that list, how would you react when you see your reflection?

The brain cannot distinguish between a fake or real smile. When you smile, it releases good hormones that make you feel happy. Smiling signals to the brain that something positive is happening, prompting the release of these feel-good hormones. Smiling at yourself tells the brain that you are valued, and it starts to create positive outcomes for you.

Let your mind work for you. Smile at yourself often.
You should be among your favorite people in the world, in a non-narcissistic way. A smile can brighten your aura and lift your spirit. Why not give yourself one, just as you do for others? Smiling every time you see your reflection might make you feel better about yourself, as it has for me and, more recently, Darius.




Sometimes, I go to the mirror to smile.

Have you smiled at yourself today?


Photo credits: Man at the mirror: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-man-holding-brush_13757689.htm

Shortlist: https://thenounproject.com/browse/icons/term/shortlist/

Basin: https://www.screwfix.com/guides/bathrooms-kitchens/bathroom-sink-buying-guide

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 1:21 AM

    Great lesson 👍 👌

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJuly 11, 2024 at 10:51 AM

      Hmm, that’s a great lesson. I really needed this. Thank you @Weli.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 1:45 AM

    Good morning In-law

    I totally agree with what you shared about self-love through the mirror exercise! The affirmations and focusing on strengths really resonated with me. Thanks for sending that over!

    The idea of using affirmations and self-compassion to challenge negative self-talk is truly powerful. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on acknowledging strengths and appreciating what makes us unique.

    I believe this exercise can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to cultivate greater self-love and acceptance. Thank you for sharing your insights.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 1:48 AM

    Good morning In-law

    I totally agree with what you shared about self-love through the mirror exercise! The affirmations and focusing on strengths really resonated with me.

    The idea of using affirmations and self-compassion to challenge negative self-talk is truly powerful. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on acknowledging strengths and appreciating what makes us unique.

    I believe this exercise can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to cultivate greater self-love and acceptance. Thank you for sharing your insights.

    ReplyDelete
  4. juduchJuly 7, 2024 at 2:44 AM

    Thanks so much for this thought-provoking article. I have not really given a thought to it. I have noted it and will henceforth learn self love. Well done sir

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 5:09 AM

    Kemka as apt as ever. I’m smiling for you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 6:12 AM

    Nicely written, brother. Weldone.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJuly 7, 2024 at 7:20 AM

    Good morning Sir.

    I've gone on halfway through your post realizing that still in taking the exercise, I omitted myself amongst those that I love the most. In fact, when I realised it, I couldn't still see myself as no 1 on this list. True to the Bible: Love your neighbour as *you love yourself.*

    Indeed thought-provoking.
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousJuly 8, 2024 at 1:59 AM

    Self-love is important and keeps us motivated.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJuly 8, 2024 at 1:58 PM

    Fantastic angle, thank you for always being on point… I super appreciate you. I will always smile at me and for me.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousJuly 9, 2024 at 11:09 AM

    Thank very much for this article. Though sometimes I smile when i see myself in the mirror, but I don't know the benefits. I will make the smile regular.

    ReplyDelete
  11. IDARA AbangJuly 12, 2024 at 3:16 AM

    This just made me smile

    ReplyDelete

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