Today I have invited a guest expert to write the Daily Focus. Thank you to Judy Corkle, a life coach from Chicago, Illinois.

What’s love got to do with it?

Every thing!!

When we think of love, certain images come up. We automatically think of romantic love, and think of our spouse, or girlfriend or boyfriend. We can also instantly think of our children or perhaps our parents. Many times we think of our pets too!

But do we usually think of our own self? Rarely! Yet, our entire life originates with us first. Nothing happens that isn’t about our participation or even our nonparticipation. When we waken in the morning and get out of bed, who is it that is getting out of bed? Our Self! Who is moving through the day, going places, doing things, interacting with others, thinking, dreaming, speaking, breathing? Our self!

So let me ask you a question. When you think of yourself, what is your first thought? Is it a thought of love or appreciation or acceptance? Or do you immediately move away from yourself to your to-do list? Or perhaps some criticism?  Or do you just plain ignore yourself? Most often, just plain ignoring yourself is the common course of habit.

But who cares? Isn’t it okay to ignore yourself, and get on to your ‘important’ thinking, like planning out your day, figuring out what to wear on your body, what to do about lunch, get the kids to school on time, get that cup of coffee on the way to work, what projects you need to get done today, etc, etc, blah blah blah? Isn’t that okay? We are, after all, very busy people and have lots and lots to do.

I believe that by ignoring ourselves, we are ignoring the main player in every event of the day. It’s like having a football game and ignoring the quarterback! Now how is THAT ever going to work out and create the best possible outcome? Well obviously, it isn’t!

The same is true of all of us. We need to take care of ourselves, first. It can make all the difference between things going right in our day, having ease and flow and laughter and synchronicity, versus having struggle and tension and miscommunication.

Let’s make it a priority to be the first person we think of when we think of love. Look into the mirror and smile at yourself. Really look into your eyes, and see the love and happiness shine through them. Decide that you accept yourself just the way you are, and that this day is going to be a great one because YOU are in it! Remember that you have gifts and talents of your own, that your presence matters. When you acknowledge yourself and love yourself first, you can bring a joyful energy to every moment and every person you encounter.

Try it! Love has everything to do with it!