First, I love the title of your piece and the boyfriend who told you that love is how someone makes you feel about yourself. Thank you for bearing a bit of your soul to help us reflect on self love as we enter ready, willing and able into this new part of life. A wonderful read!
Thank you so much- means the world to me! As for that boyfriend, I thought he was so corny at the time- I was much too young to understand. Excited to go forth, as you say, ready, willing and able! Look out world…xx
A powerful and evocative piece, Dina. Self-love. In a world where we equate goodness and kindness with doing for others, self-love seemed selfish to me. Like you, I have found the right people (and a bit of myself along the way), and damn, loving myself feels pretty good, I must say!
Thank you for this. I think that for most of us, it takes as much unlearning as it does active learning to get to the place where we give ourselves permission to move ourselves to the front of the line. I'm so happy you have found your people (and yourself!). Feels pretty damn good indeed!
I remember the same feeling. Not tall or blonde. ‘Too ethnic looking ‘. I heard… Thank you for sharing your heart Dina. I loved reading this and it reminded me to continue building upon self love.
This really resonated with me personally. As A Jewish woman self love can be so hard to come by. I was told be thin and successful in your career and then find an amazing Jewish husband who will take care of you. I realized young enough that wasn't me and became a Mom in my 40's through adoption and a different husband. The joy it has brought me is endless.
I'm so glad it resonated! And wonderful that you knew yourself well enough to make the choices that were right for you and have brought you so much joy! It's empowering when we start to drown out the outside noise and listen to our own voice...
Thank you for this, dear friend. Making us think and feel. Why does Valentines have to be a "coupling is winning" event? It's a sentiment that makes so many of us rush into things that aren't true to who we are. Why can't this holiday be an excuse to underline the love you already show (ideally daily) -- to your partner, your parent, your friends, yourself?
Yes! Underline and highlight in big bright marker! When I think of the abundance of love in my life, I feel such immense gratitude. I think it’s so important that we celebrate all of the love in our lives- breathe it in and out every single day! ❤️
First, I love the title of your piece and the boyfriend who told you that love is how someone makes you feel about yourself. Thank you for bearing a bit of your soul to help us reflect on self love as we enter ready, willing and able into this new part of life. A wonderful read!
Thank you so much- means the world to me! As for that boyfriend, I thought he was so corny at the time- I was much too young to understand. Excited to go forth, as you say, ready, willing and able! Look out world…xx
A powerful and evocative piece, Dina. Self-love. In a world where we equate goodness and kindness with doing for others, self-love seemed selfish to me. Like you, I have found the right people (and a bit of myself along the way), and damn, loving myself feels pretty good, I must say!
Brava, my friend.
Thank you for this. I think that for most of us, it takes as much unlearning as it does active learning to get to the place where we give ourselves permission to move ourselves to the front of the line. I'm so happy you have found your people (and yourself!). Feels pretty damn good indeed!
I remember the same feeling. Not tall or blonde. ‘Too ethnic looking ‘. I heard… Thank you for sharing your heart Dina. I loved reading this and it reminded me to continue building upon self love.
Thank you so much for sharing yours as well- your journey is so inspiring!
Aww thank you my love! Happy you have been a part of this journey...xx
This really resonated with me personally. As A Jewish woman self love can be so hard to come by. I was told be thin and successful in your career and then find an amazing Jewish husband who will take care of you. I realized young enough that wasn't me and became a Mom in my 40's through adoption and a different husband. The joy it has brought me is endless.
I'm so glad it resonated! And wonderful that you knew yourself well enough to make the choices that were right for you and have brought you so much joy! It's empowering when we start to drown out the outside noise and listen to our own voice...
What a lovely essay (and shoutout)! xo
Thrilled that you read it- thank you! Enjoy Tokyo xx
Thank you! xo
This was beautiful! Thank you.
Thank you for this, dear friend. Making us think and feel. Why does Valentines have to be a "coupling is winning" event? It's a sentiment that makes so many of us rush into things that aren't true to who we are. Why can't this holiday be an excuse to underline the love you already show (ideally daily) -- to your partner, your parent, your friends, yourself?
Yes! Underline and highlight in big bright marker! When I think of the abundance of love in my life, I feel such immense gratitude. I think it’s so important that we celebrate all of the love in our lives- breathe it in and out every single day! ❤️
Love this my beautiful friend!