Do you appreciate yourself? I mean really appreciate yourself? I’m learning to appreciate myself more and more. What does that look like?

Well, for me, it is coming as a review of my life and all I’ve been through – the tough times and the good times. It is really looking at what I’ve accomplished – the big things and the little things. It is acknowledging how much I have changed and grown up. It is appreciating how much I try to assist and help others. It is just giving myself a pat on the back for being here at this time and being me. It is being grateful for me.

It’s sometimes easier to appreciate everyone else and put ourselves in the background.  Sometimes, we feel like we are showing off. I remember I used to feel like that as a child. I didn’t want to play the piano or sing in front of the guests at our home because I felt like I was showing off. How crazy is that? I got over it, but I wonder where that comes from? Perhaps, we want to fit in so much that we play our talents down. It’s easy to play to the lowest common denominator. It can be easier to fit in.

I am feeling like we all need to step into our power and acknowledge ourselves to ourselves. It is important during these times to have powerful, loving people stepping out into action. It is important to acknowledge the good we do, the demonstrations that we make, etc. Perhaps, the world needs examples of good right now. There surely is enough of the opposite in the news.

I invite us to make today Self-Acknowledgement Day. Take the day to write down all the amazing things you’ve done in your life – big and small. You don’t have to publicize the list, but you can throw your shoulders back and walk down the street with your head a little higher, your eyes radiating a little more love from within. You can also encourage those around you to do the same. Shine you light! Shine your gifts! Light the planet!

Remember the great Master Teacher Jesus said, “Love thy neighbor AS THYSELF. It all starts with the self.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita