I love the message in Lady Gaga's new song, "Born This Way". Eliminating judgement and turning to love and acceptance is something she stands for, which I think is great. I believe many of us need to become aware of the implications of judging others - not only because of the negativity it places upon others, but also because of the negativity it places upon ourselves. You can't judge another without judging yourself.
I have found that being judgmental can be very subtle to recognize, often to the point where we don't realize we're doing it. If we are not loving or not loving enough however, then being judgmental may be the reason. Being judgmental, among other behaviors, will close us off to both giving and receiving love. On my journey to find a deeper love within, I discovered self-judgement was in the way.
Along my personal journey to find deeper love within, I recognized I had been judging myself for being a loving person in my past. I remember as a small girl being very loving and trusting. I remember it felt good, too. As I got older, I experienced some hurt as a result of being this way. I was very open and loving to the "wrong" people or at the "wrong" time. Therefore, between these experiences and the misguided advice I received, I began to believe that being loving was weak or "wrong" for me. But I hurt myself by repressing and denying the loving person I was born as.
I have since released these judgements and have gained incredible compassion and honor for my true self. I had to be willing to face my fears in getting hurt again and summoned the courage I needed to be my naturally loving self. When I am really being the loving person I was born as, I have an innate source of strength. There is no need to protect myself from getting hurt anymore. I also learned that I don't have to outwardly express my love in every situation, just the ones I choose to. I can simply "be" loving and that love will shine from within.
As I did this, everything shifted for the better - especially how I related to people. I found genuine compassion for them and myself. My romantic relationship deepened and my relationship with my children got richer. My heart has expanded exponentially. I love being loving. It's the best feeling in the world just on it's own. There's more benefits that result from being loving, too. Benefits such as freedom, joy and so much more. I am amazed I could have ever turned my back on being my naturally loving self. My journey has led me back to the very beginning of my creation in love and the expression of it. So thank you Lady Gaga, for the inspiring song that keeps me on the right track. I love myself for being born this way!
