Not about masturbation: How do you love yourself?

by serendipity 8 Replies latest social relationships

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  serendipity

  As a JW, I knew the scripture said that "you must love your neighbor as yourself" and struggled with the concept of "loving one self." Or really, what were appropriate ways to love yourself and to what degree. I thought on the one hand, the WTS was not a 'feel good' religion, and certainly didn't encourage self-actualization, self-esteem or anything approaching self love. But on the other hand, it seems that the reasons a JW should selflessly go in service, attend meetings, read the Bible and serve God, had more to do with saving oneself - the ultimate act of self love, or maybe selfishness.

  Did anyone else ever think about this ? How do you love yourself now?
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  parakeet

  I indulge in books -- lots and lots of books. Some fiction, mostly nonfiction. I love myself my educating myself about our amazing planet. No censorship; no restrictions. Freedom and knowledge -- the best things in the world next to love.
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  KW13

  I come here and i do things i enjoy more now, thanks to some good advice!
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  greendawn

  The essence of that advice is that no one will harm his interests therefore one shouldn't harm one's neighbour, IOW don't do to others whatever you hate. I can see what you mean about the WTS, by following their advice the dubs end up harming their interests and lives and therefore don't love themselves.
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  prophecor

  Hi Serendipity. I love myself by trying my best to recognise my limitations, knowing where I need to raise the bar regarding where my boundaries are, and not letting others cross over into my territory without my giving them permission.
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  forward

  Human main weakness is in his or her inability to love. Man didn't know how to love his friends, his family, or another human on earth. The lesson here is to be aware of the act of love which would bring peace, joy and prosperity to the human race. So when man can share, guide, and love his neighbours just like he cares for himself in every endeavours, the ultimate goal achieved will be world peace, harmony. But how will man learn to love others? This is the big question. When he can throw "self" and deny the self and live just for others and not for himself only then the out come will be positive. Man has been destroying and fighting one another since the beginning of the history of mankind because all man are born selfish. He cares for himself because he wants to survive. However modern man with his "modern" education he received is still not able to deny self. The error will go on with man not knowing how to love others but only himself. So the lesson given is not so easily understood by the ordinary folks.
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  Satanus

  the lesson given is not so easily understood by the ordinary folks.

  Maybe because there seems to be some contradiction there. Should a person love himself before he loves others, or not?

  S
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  Satanus

  Umm, besides masturbation???! Let's see ... Ok, i am making an attempt at making my life happier, and realising my dreams.

  S
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  snarf

  Serendipity,

  Such a nice question. I love myself by treating me to simple things. A good cup of coffe on a cold rainy day, an extra couple minutes in a hot steamy bath on a bad day, doing my job to the best of my ability, acknowledging a compliment from another person.