“The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.” –Diane Von Furstenberg
Last week we spoke about the Two of Cups and how it relates to partnerships, balance, harmony, cooperation, and wholeness. How two halves make a whole, and h
ow each half has to arrive at the relationship already whole.
Huh?
What this means—contrary to popular rom coms, romantic novels, and fairy tales where we’re led to believe a couple always lives happily ever after—is that bringing individuality and wholeness to a relationship is the secret sauce to making a union successful.
You may remember from last week, that I mentioned that the woman wears a laurel wreath in her hair, which is a sign of victory. What kind of victory, you wonder? The laurel wreath symbolizes her success in forming a loving relationship with herself.
She knows who she is, what she desires, and how to fulfill her needs, wants, and longings on her own. With that, she’s able to arrive at this new relationship as a poised, independent woman—and one with a lot to offer.
She’s happy with herself. She doesn’t need another to complete her. She can bring her whole self to her partnerships knowing she can survive on her own. This knowledge, security, and kind of insight into herself allows her to partner in ways that promote peace, harmony, and security in the most mature way.
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” –Lucille Ball
We’ve all heard the sentiment that loves starts with loving yourself first. So, what necessary ingredients make up the magical recipe for creating your own happiness first so that you’re not dependent on another’s happiness to determine your own? And why is it so important to love yourself first anyway?
Notice how these two figures, one male and one female, look like they’re mirroring each other. Looking inward is all about inner balance. It’s like seeing our reflection in an actual mirror. The Two of Cups reminds us that self-love is built upon self-acceptance.
Cups represent the watery realm of emotions. To accept yourself—who you really are and who you came here to be—without shame, blame, anger, or hurt, you must look in the mirror and love what you see.
That can be a difficult journey, but you can start by checking in with your own needs now. For example, when was the last time you did something nice for yourself? What might make you feel good enough to put a little spring in your step or a smile on your face? How would carving out time for yourself change your mood to a happier one?
Self-understanding = self-love! Why not start this week by filling your own cup first? And, no that’s not selfish! You just might find you’ll fall in love with yourself again…
If you missed it, check out my short video in the Two of Cups here.
Ever upward!
