Your First Best Friend is You
It took me years to realize that the most important person to reach out to you first is yourself.
Back in school, during one of our science classes, my teacher posed a simple question: who is your most important friend? The answer seemed obvious: we looked at our best friends. But her question was more about science so she said 'our heart because it beats for us, without it we wouldn't survive'. It was a straightforward lesson meant to teach us the basics of biology. But as I reflected on her words not too long ago, it struck me: it's not just the heart or the lungs nor the liver that matter; it's our entire being—the heart, lungs, kidneys, nails, brain, and all our senses, our thoughts, in short it was 'myself' . If you were thrown into a swimming pool today and if you were one of those who knew nothing about swimming, your body would automatically try ways to save itself. Even when you’re wounded, every cell in your body works tirelessly to heal you.
You see, like a friend your body tries to save you in every way possible. But how often do we acknowledge that we are our own best friend? While we have family and friends to support us, we are the first ones to face our own challenges. When we find ourselves in troubled times, we fight to survive before anyone else notices our struggles. We console ourselves, calm ourselves, and pick ourselves up when we fall apart, but at times we tend to be our own enemy. We are just so unhappy with the way we are. When things don’t go our way, we blame our selves, when faced with embarrassing situation or past guilts, guess who do we blame? Its us.
How often have we been unkind to ourselves? How many times have we uttered hurtful words to ourselves? Do we pause to smile and thank ourselves and the universe for the gift of life and good health?
Remember, we inhabit this body until our final breath. Let's make peace and be kind with ourselves and change our perspectives where need be.
Just as a baby needs care, attention, and love to flourish, so do we. Pay attention to your surroundings, discern what serves you, surround yourself with those who uplift you, and create boundaries where necessary. Nourish your body, mind, and soul with the care they deserve. Speak words of kindness, learn to remain calm, and plan your actions thoughtfully.
Ultimately, our achievements and failures rest within us. Our minds are powerful and capable of shaping our experiences and perceptions. If we feed them the nourishment of positivity, and they will respond in kind, guiding us toward growth and fulfilment.
Afterall, you are the only constant companion on this journey, through the highs and lows, the joy and sorrow. Let's extend the same kindness to ourselves that we offer to others, for we are our greatest allies on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Remember, we reside in mind and body 24/7 so make it a better place to live in!
