Who’s Your BFF?

The language of text messages – the shorthand, shortcuts of texting….bff (best friends forever).  Kids are always using “bff” when texting other friends.  The question is:  Who is your bff?

What are the characteristics that your bff has?  My best friend is always there for me with an understanding heart and automatically knows when to provide love and care and a reality check.  She is kind, caring, compassionate, understanding, patient, always knows the right thing to say in a situation, provides a perspective that is just what I need, I can count on her, I enjoy her company and many others.  Make a list of the traits you love and cherish in your best friend.

You also have a best friend that you may or may not identify as your best friend….YOU!  Many people struggle with life challenges because they do not know how to be their own best friend.  We are so good at being there for others with encouraging words of support, love and care but do we extend these important aspects to ourselves?  Many times, we are often our own worst enemy.  We are over critical of ourselves and don’t hesitate to speak negatively to ourselves about ourselves.  We have unrealistic expectations of ourselves we would never place on someone else.  We have this huge massive database running in our heads of all the things we have been told that we can’t do or won’t be able to do or should never even try.  Have you ever listened to the things you tell yourself?  Would you want someone in your life that says the things to you that you say to yourself?  I seriously doubt it.  Why then would we allow us to do that to ourselves.

It is more than okay to tell yourself that you have done a good job or to celebrate the small successes you have achieved.  It is okay to give yourself nurturing messages of encouragement and love just as you would to your own best friend, child or another loved one in your life.  It is more than okay but a desired status to be your own best friend

Best friends support you in tough times rather than criticize you, they do not shame you for your mistakes but encourage you to learn from them and try again. Best friends accept you for who you are – warts and all and love you for just being you. Best friends ground you in reality help you walk through the emotions until you can see with greater clarity the issues before you. And no one can be your best friend better than you can.

When you start to criticize yourself for your mistakes become a best friend and learn to be a little bit gentler on yourself. When you begin to flounder or have doubts become your own best friend and speak to your spirit with encouraging words which inspire and motivate rather than pull apart and destroy. Ask yourself this “what would I want my best friend to say or do right at this moment?” then do that.

Simply, all you do is treat yourself as you would treat your best friend.  If you wouldn’t say something to your best friend, don’t say it to yourself.  If you would say or do something for your best friend, do it for yourself.  Yes, it may be awkward to think this way or even attempt.  Just as you get to know another person and build and grow your friendship, the same with you.  Be that person that you are for others.

So what are you waiting for? Become your own best friend, today! You’ll have the bff of all!

Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator