By Oladotun F. Roy

Building a relationship with oneself begins with being self conscious/aware.

Self awareness is rare. Many people would argue this, but it’s a known fact backed with findings.

Self awareness/self love/self consciousness as we know, play a crucial role in building a healthy relationship with oneself.

And these words aren’t the same as being ‘selfish’ as people often misconstrue them without proper understanding of the three.

For instance, whenever you stumble on pictures or short videos of someone on their social networking Statuses, who is fond of using outlandish captions, usually to celebrate his/herself or achievements never over criticise them.

Listen, most times, such an act is never about self adulation or being too vain. They are only trying to exercise self awareness/love.

Lack of understanding often causes timid people to misjudge these acts, as it would always appear too immature to many shallow minds who still find it difficult in striking a healthy balance in building a healthy relationship with themselves and those around them.

It is about having the understanding of the role of self love; loving oneself and embracing all the flaws and imperfections you may have by yourself.

Because he, who doesn’t love himself can never sustain a healthy relationship with others.

Many of us are so engrossed with the lives of others that we forget to love ourselves regardless of the past pain or even present achievements.

We must learn to build a healthy relationship with ourselves first. Because, you can’t give what you don’t have.

Having that consciousness that we humans are creatures of flaws and beauty combined, does the magic.

Loving yourself and embracing all your flaws would prevent you from taking to heart all contrary opinions that may be formed about your personality, mostly by strangers or naysayers.

It would also help one to be thick-skinned in handling both constructive and destructive criticisms as we build our interpersonal relationships with others.

Therefore, remove that cloak of timidity.

Look away from those past scars and start building a relationship yourself today. That way, you will be able to extend it to those around you.

From the Mouth of a Life Coach to your ears.

Oladotun F. Roy is a Life Coach and Author of Inspiration Books based in Abuja, Nigeria. He can be reached via dotunroy@gmail.com