D.E.S.E.R.V.E. Yourself

“You deserve to feel like yourself again.”

— Unknown

Respecting, loving, and approving yourself through the most tumultuous moments is crucial for daily survival. The purpose of this blog is to shift your vulnerability to a more profound and positive direction. It may or may not eradicate your struggles, yet it will help defy any negative emotions that cling like magnets. Let’s convince ourselves how we are more than just capable. Bring it! We are ready for far more than we perceive.

Each morning, I wake up, and the first thing I do, even before I open my eyes, I say a prayer; it enables me to remind myself and simultaneously show gratitude for waking up to another day. Those who know me more intimately know that I am undergoing medical issues with trigeminal facial nerve damage that deteriorated all 32 teeth, my skull, neck and temple muscles, which genuinely tests daily patience. To be sure it doesn't overtake my mood too quickly, I rather swiftly jump into the shower and immediately start meditating. The prayers and cleansing help ease my mind and rid any negativity. I then sit by my vanity and ready myself. With each glance in the mirror, my mind says several phrases such as, 'Don't worry Aneela, you will be okay", "You are strong Aneela", '"You will get through this," "You will be completely healthy again," "Enjoy the little things," and my favorite one is," I LOVE AND APPROVE OF MYSELF."

So here's what I do. I'm utterly obsessed with the things I love about myself. And this is not a new quality I trained myself. I thought this way for as long as I can remember. Maybe it became a coping mechanism after I lost my mother. Regardless it is what takes me through each day. I remember all I love about myself. I think of good deeds I've done for others, reminisce about my favorite people and all the good deeds they do for me. In short, it's recognizing the positive aspects of life and affirming gratitude. Some may believe I am egocentric, or arrogant, or just constantly talking about myself. I can assure you I am neither. Simply what I can attest to is that I always complement and validate my love for myself and respect myself. I no longer accept negative remarks from those who hold no value to my life.

I hold no shame in repeatedly confirming I am fantastic at my career, one of the coolest moms, an attractive young one for sure. I love how I dress up and take care of my appearance. And on the bigger scheme of things, I am a great daughter, friend, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. I love everything about my life. I never wish to be prettier, more prosperous or bother about likes or followers. I am entirely content with my beautiful life.

No one wishes to compromise their health; ergo, besides my health, I am thrilled. And even in these past eight months of tortures pain, my friends can attest if I ever fell short in any of my commitments or showed any lacking of life enjoyment. Never. I bet those that don't know me could not even fathom my constant chronic pain. How and Why, you ask? Because I LOVE MYSELF TOO MUCH to fall or fail. I am cognizant of my worth and value. I deserve to be myself again. I will try my best daily to enjoy my kids, my home, my travels, my commitments, my career, all of it. And you should too. What is holding you back?

Before you can respect yourself, you must first truly love yourself. If it requires you to initially boast yourself to grow used to hearing it out loud, then do it. Remember you are not doing it out of insecurity; build your inner confidence, self-love, and self-respect. Once you respect yourself, it will be easier to approve of yourself daily by affirmations that are solid and true. Tell yourself you are: