–

“Religion makes a fuss over the idea of cultivating a better “relationship with God,” but I find that what people most need is a healthier relationship with themselves. People are suffering every day, not because of a deficient relationship with a deity in the sky, but because of a dysfunctional relationship with the person in the mirror. Cultivating a new relationship with yourself could include things like:

Becoming more aware of your self-talk or mental commentary about yourself and your life

Questioning the ideas, beliefs, mindsets, narratives, stories, and ideologies that are influencing you

Taking responsibility for your own happiness, well-being and life

Outgrowing your current self and the definitions and expectations that have defined you

Discarding the mask, and being a more real, authentic and human person

Honoring what most matters to you about life and your own inner guidance, deep feelings and intuition

Offering yourself acceptance, love, compassion and patience

Choosing not to remain actively connected to toxic people or those who judge, shame, control or bully you

Practicing the self-care that promotes and rejuvenates your vitality, energy, wellness

Inhabiting your uniqueness and expressing it freely and authentically…”

by Jim Palmer

–