"Ooh, you are awful...

...but I like you!" Goes one of Dick Emery's larger than life 'female' characters, as she jovially shoves over another unsuspecting male!

Am I lovable? Are you lovable?

The answer to that question is an indication to much of our worldview today. If we have received positive messages of love, appreciation, encouragement and care, both explicitly and implicitly, throughout our lives (particularly in our formative years) then we probably believe that we are worth something; are of value; if only to someone else.

What if, say (as I heard told by someone) you are the youngest in a family; you weren't 'planned' and, as you grow, your mum introduces you to friends and associates as "our little mistake"?

What if your are the daughter that came instead of a son?
What if your are a son and not a daughter?

What if you were given away - adopted? Taken away and fostered?

What if your parents split up and their behaviour lead you to think (as a child) that it was your fault - that if only you had been better behaved or...something... they would have stayed together and not torn your world in half?

What if you had a domineering or abusive or violent or absent Dad?
What if you had a controlling mother who would not let you grow up?

What if you learnt to get attention from your parents by getting good grades in school, or shoplifting? What's your "if"....?

Are you lovable? You are. Yes, you are.
Am I lovable? I am. Yes, I am.

What if we believed it? What might we achieve? What healing might come? Which relationship might we start, sustain, or thrive in?

"Ooh, you are lovable..." :o)