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It seems like everyone is talking about Elizabeth Gilbert’s book with the movie starring Julia Roberts only a few weeks away from release.  So what is the message that everyone is buzzing about that is so clearly articulated in the book’s pages?  

Self Love.

That’s right!  The key to having all that we desire all comes down to how we love ourselves.

Here are some questions for you to ponder to discover the level that you truly love yourself:

1.   Do you honor your commitments?
~ Our word must be golden. If we say it, it is done.
2.   Do you take time to refuel?
~ Learning to serve ourselves before others is a skill most of us must learn.
3.   Do you take responsibility for where you are currently?
~ Blame is the enemy.  Notice what is being mirrored back to you when you connect with others.  How we FEEL is an indication of what is going on inside of us.  If we feel a “negative” emotion – what is going on inside us that is creating it?  No one “makes” us feel anything.  The only way out of the “blame game” is to step up and into responsibility.

Our intimate relationships mirror what is going on inside of us.  If we are unable to honor the commitments we make to ourselves then how can we expect someone outside of us to honor their commitments to us?  The reflection we see from the outside is not a direct reflection – it is more like a “Fun House” mirror with a distorted image.

Going back to old behavior will only create more similar experiences like those in our past.  To move forward, we must embrace whatever negative emotion may be coming up for us.  To have a real shift may feel uncomfortable at first. Taking on any new behavior will take some practice.  Trust in the process.

In fact Elizabeth Gilbert has this to say in the book:

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."

So start making a daily effort.  Commit to it.  Do whatever actions are necessary.  And while you are enjoying the fruits of your labor, remember to keep moving in the direction of your inspiration.