Jade Tailor Instagram – Here are some words I wanted to share in hopes that someone might extrapolate some inspiration from it…
My father used to say אם אין אני לי מי לי. Which means “if I’m not for me who is.” As a child I used to resist this phrase, thinking that it was selfish, or created so much separateness. If you know my father you’d understand why I might have come to this conclusion. However, my understanding of this phrase has shifted over time. Yes, we live in a world where we are inherently self centered. We have individual needs, desires, perspectives, and we can only see the world through our own unique vantage point, and our limited/ unique perspective based on our upbringing, circumstances, culture, DNA, etc. AND though this may be true, do I desire a world in which we can live less selfishly and care about one another more deeply, absolutely! I mean, in truth there is no separation, as we are all part of the oneness that is… but I digress. May be a bit too esoteric for my point. Ha!
My point being… it is an inherent need to be self focused, but I think there’s a distinction between being selfish and being self-full. I feared selfishness, believing it would create separateness, division, and less care… and yes, selfishness can do that. But to be self-full… that is something I am learning is a vital part of the human experience. It is something that actually creates more connection with self and others. If we are not full in ourselves, we are then constantly seeking fulfillment, validation, and happiness outside of ourselves. This, in my opinion, is a recipe for unhappiness. When we are “for ourselves,” we no longer need that from outside of us. And when we no longer need it from outside of us, we are no longer negatively affected by the things and people around us. We must learn to fill our own cup first and foremost or how will we be able to then do that for another.
So… how will you choose to fill your cup today? How will you fill yourself up today and everyday?
I feel there is only one thing left to say, if I so dare… to quote RuPaul, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else. Can I get an Amen?”
📷: @yossefsagi ✨ | Posted on 23/Feb/2023 04:28:50
