I used to think dating myself meant being single for the sake of being single or because I had not been asked out in a while, I would announce online, on my podcast or to myself that I was dating myself. I would then proceed to take myself out to a nice tapas restaurant or art house film and envy the beautiful couples around me.
I have decided to change the way I date myself. I have been listening to the audio book "Single of Purpose" by John Kim. The journey of self discovery and love is one that requires making conscious well informed decisions according the author. Kim recommends finding oneself uncomfortable daily because one pushes through the comfort zone, or rather convenient zone, of doing what one knows. To get out there and introduce oneself to a new supp0rt group, walking up to a new outdoor climbing group I met online, or speak up and ramble on at a new book club for the first time can be scary, However, I promise you, it is worth it. as are looking at myself at the mirror and saying to myself, "I love you and I am in love with you," and to be so overjoyed and gleeful to hear back "I love you and I am so in love with you too."
What does dating myself look like? It is about seeing myself through the day and checking in on my myself to see how I am doing and if there is anything that I need to help me through the day. I want and do for myself as a human being and as a gay man and not just as a man. I take myself out on dates to wonderful tapas restaurants and to art house films. I no longer envy the beautiful couples.
Brene Brown, the famous Social Worker, author and public speaker challenges us to seek courage over comfort. That is exactly what I have chosen to do this time around as I focus on self rediscovery, and love, My daily intention is to choose courage or comfort. Is it easy? Some days yes and some days it is hard and painful. However, I have learned that to love myself and to be in love with myself means to accept myself as my own love of my life. After all, I came into this world with myself (and my twin brother) and I will be the person I journey with loving myself to the next life.
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