Protecting

Part of self-love is protecting ourselves from others and certain situations. Life is complicated, and everyone needs to understand that self-protection is a form of self-love. To protect entails looking after someone or something. Whenever we sense the need for protection, it is our early-warning sign and by acting on our gut feelings, we can keep safe.

All of us know what and who we have to protect ourselves from. However, implementing it is another story. When we have been brought up to please others, our first instinct will be to protect everyone else, bar ourselves. In a sense, our needs do not factor into the big picture.

Self-love is self-protection. In the process of looking after who we are, we are empowered to respond to our emotions, not the emotions of others. Our change in behavior may upset some people and they may respond negatively. Regardless, when we love ourselves enough to use protective methods, we model good self-love practices.

Self-protection can be as simple as not driving when we are too tired, or refraining from drinking when everyone else is drinking. It may be standing up to abuse in a social setting, or leaving the area when we feel uncomfortable or violated. Some actions will be noticed, but not all stands of self-protection are obvious. Being silent when it is wise to do so is self-protection. Not being controlled by family and friends is another form.

Protecting ourselves from being hurt and having a voice further increases self-awareness and therefore, keeps us safe.

Protecting ourselves is a healthy way to live. Remember that protections are not walls. They are flexible fences we erect when necessary. With some individuals, we have to erect permanent fences; with others, temporary ones and then there are the blessed individuals against whom protection is never required.

Self-protection is the love we bestow upon ourselves and in doing so, we increase our bounty of self-love.