Better Your Best With Marivic

When I was a child, I memorized the words of Mark 12:28-34, a powerful Scripture where Jesus answered a question that had puzzled the Jewish people for generations. With over 600 rules and regulations, they sought to understand the most important way to live a life pleasing to God. When asked, Jesus distilled everything into two intertwined commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflecting on this passage now, I’m struck by a realization. It isn’t just about love; it’s about how we love in every aspect of our being. Many of us have a strong desire to honor God, yet we sometimes overlook a crucial part of living out our fullest potential: loving ourselves. As the homily I heard today emphasized, we often get the order mixed up. To love God fully and love our neighbors genuinely, we must start with taking care of ourselves holistically.

Four Areas to Love Ourselves

1. Spiritual: Loving God begins with nurturing our relationship with Him daily, not only by attending church but through an ongoing, personal connection that deepens our faith.
2. Emotional: Our emotions are gifts meant to be expressed and managed wisely. Growing emotionally means learning when and how to communicate in ways that build rather than break.
3. Physical: Our bodies are temples, gifts from God that require our attention and care. We need to ask ourselves: Are we making healthy choices, exercising, and honoring the bodies given to us?
4. Mental: Our minds, too, need nourishment and growth. When was the last time you learned something new or challenged yourself to think beyond your comfort zone?

A Wake-Up Call for Our Lives

Imagine standing before God one day and being asked, “What did you do with the body, mind, heart, and soul I gave you?” It’s a powerful image that drives home our responsibility to care for ourselves so that we can live up to our full potential. Failing to do this not only affects us but also limits our ability to serve and love our neighbors—and, in turn, to love God completely.

Answering the Call to Live Fully

We are all a gift from a generous and loving God, and with that gift comes responsibility. This responsibility isn’t a burden but an invitation to live a life that flourishes in every way. As we grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally, we become more equipped to give generously and live with purpose.

If you feel inspired to start living up to your fullest potential and want support on this journey, I invite you to reach out. Let’s walk together, exploring how to love ourselves better so we can love God and others more fully. You can connect with me or join a community dedicated to helping each other grow in every area of our lives.

Together, let’s live life to the fullest—starting today. Reach out, and let’s begin this beautiful journey!