Only within the last few weeks, I’ve learnt that crying is much more than expressing emotion – it’s self-honouring. Dictionary definition of this term is “recognising the significance, importance, validity, and sacredness of your own values, thoughts, beliefs, desires, life, and self” – how beautiful is that? This is something so new to me and is now one of my most treasured pieces of knowledge.
One of the best parts about this is there are so many ways to honour yourself, some of which you might have been doing already. Everyone knows about doing things that are “good” for you – eating healthy, quitting smoking or spending time outside rather than on a screen – but for me, at least, I never thought of any other deeper reason as to why these things are so good for us aside from the obvious.
Just last week, I joined a gym. Obviously, I want to be fitter, I want to be healthier, I’m aware that exercising makes me feel good but in actual fact I was putting myself on the highest shelf. All my previous reasons for doing this “good” thing had always sat under the umbrella term of seeing the importance of myself.
It’s paramount to think and speak highly about yourself. Keeping your enemies closer was never intended for your own self. All my life, I believed I was “too sensitive” in a way that hindered me and made me weak. This was a belief quickly shot down after being told that it is one of my biggest strengths. And of course it is, because human qualities are never simple enough to just be one thing.
Being highly sensitive also makes me intuitive, compassionate and then so much more. Knowing that now, I intend to honour it in the words I use when I speak. Have a think now, how would you speak about yourself?
Crying and feeling your emotions serves you in the same way. Whatever your reason may be, letting your tears fall and hit the ground in front of you is such an intimately high form of honour – because what a privilege it is to feel as you feel.
Some things are better realised sooner than later. I’m forever glad I’ve worked this out now and thankful to those who have helped me along the way. It almost seems silly that I never considered it like this before. With that said, all you can do and all you can ever bring to the table is your best. Be kind and honour every part of yourself – it’s the least you deserve.
One response to “10. To self-honour.”
lovely lovely read, the relationship you have with yourself is so important and your words are teaching me a lot! and thank you for talking about crying and how it’s a beautiful thing, I think the world needs to hear that more! x