I’m In Love With Your Flaming Self Respect

 “I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self respect. And it’s these things I’d believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn’t all she should be. I love her and that is the beginning of everything.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

I wrote you a love letter.

And I already know what you’re going to say.

You’ll say, “This isn’t really me; I’m not as good as Claire is saying I am.” Listen. I know you struggle. I want you to receive this love in spite of your scars and struggles. So read your love letter, you fierce, gorgeous woman, and grow into it. Let it soak into your heart and give you even more courage…

Ready?

A Fierce Love Letter to YOU (Yes, You)

When I think of you I see a radiance that cannot be contained by your skin. You turn the corner and leave after-images of light on the walls behind you; light leaks through the seams in your tee-shirt, falls and rises along the pattern of your walk. Your hips leave waves undulating above the pavement. You glow.

I know where your inner aurora comes from.

Or rather, I know what bubbling chemistry gives it life: it’s your relentless, gentle, encompassing respect for yourself. It mixes and turns within you like yeast, and gives rise to truth. You say, “I am worthwhile.” You say, “I am beautiful.” And light erupts and makes your very bones gleam beneath your skin.

When confronted with criticism, you feel the sting (who doesn’t?), but you also turn each rough shard carefully in your hands and ask, “Does this belong to me?” Because if it doesn’t, you smile and return it to the surf, and allow the ocean to roll it along her bed, smoothing the edges and perhaps delivering it to another shore; beach glass to be wound into a pretty necklace, or bound as a charm.

You are not jealous because you do not compare yourself to others.

Rather you love yourself: body, soul, and beliefs. Your self respect grows in you a respect for others as well… You continually look for the good, polish the beauty, and share the bright flowers of your garden whenever you can.

Who will YOU send this love letter to?

Love was born to be shared. Pass it on to a girlfriend, a sister, a young niece. Anyone who could use a little more love in their life…