Day 27 – Love Moved First in Healing My ‘Selfs’
🔗 🎵 Song of the Day: Love Moved First – Casting Crowns
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Dear Friends,
Today we pause to look at the “Selfs” that shape our journey. Some of them wound us, and some of them heal us. I’ve discovered that while my abusers and those who hurt me held me back, my deepest barrier hasn’t been outside of me—it’s been inside. My own lack of self-acceptance has kept me from moving forward.
But here’s the truth: Love has already moved first toward me. God’s grace met me in my runaway moments, when I was too tired, too broken, and too ashamed. And now, it’s my turn to embrace that love for myself.
The Negative “Selfs”
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Self-doubt – questioning your own worth and abilities.
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Self-criticism – that inner voice that never stops blaming.
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Self-neglect – ignoring your body, your rest, and your needs.
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Self-sabotage – tearing down your own progress or relationships.
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Self-harm – actions or thoughts that wound body, mind, or spirit.
These are the “selves” that chain us down, whisper lies, and steal our joy.
The Positive “Selfs”
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Self-esteem – valuing yourself as God already values you.
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Self-worth – knowing you are worthy of dignity and love.
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Self-love – extending patience, compassion, and gentleness to yourself.
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Self-care – tending your body, mind, and spirit intentionally.
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Self-acceptance – embracing who you are today while believing in who you’re becoming.
These “selves” are the keys that set us free. They unlock hope, healing, and peace.
The Power of Self-Worth
Self-worth is not something earned by being perfect. It is not something other people get to hand out—or take away. It’s the truth God built into us from the very beginning. Yet trauma, shame, and abuse bury that truth under layers of lies.
Overcoming the negative “selves” doesn’t mean pretending they never existed. It means slowly replacing them—step by step—with positive “selves” that align with God’s truth. When we shift from self-doubt to self-belief, from self-neglect to self-care, we begin to reclaim what was stolen. And when we practice self-acceptance, we give ourselves permission to heal and grow into the person God has always known we could be.
10 Tips to Overcome Negative Thoughts & Emotions
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Pause & Breathe – Create space before reacting by slowing your breath.
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Speak Truth Out Loud – Replace lies with God’s promises: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
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Practice Gratitude – Name 3 things you’re thankful for each day.
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Set Boundaries – Step back from toxic voices and environments.
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Move Your Body – Walk, stretch, dance, or drum—movement helps release stuck emotions.
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Journal Honestly – Write freely, then speak compassion back to yourself.
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Pray or Meditate – Invite God into your thoughts; let His voice of love lead.
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Affirm Daily – Say: “I am worthy. I am loved. I am becoming whole.”
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Seek Connection – Reach out to safe people instead of isolating.
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Forgive Yourself – Let go of perfection and choose progress over shame.
Reflection for Today
Where are you stuck in the negative “selves”? Where is God inviting you to step into self-love, self-worth, and self-acceptance?
Write one sentence completing this thought:
“I choose self-worth today because _________.”
Closing Thought
Negative thoughts may whisper, “You are too broken.” But God’s truth declares:
“You are worthy of love and respect.” — Dr. Brooke Jones
Yes, friend—you can love and respect you. Love has already moved first.
With hope and appreciation,
Dr Brooke Jones
Founder Stronger Women