Good morning! I think one of the hardest lessons to learn in life is complete unconditional love and acceptance of self. Often, it is easier to seek love from others than from ourselves--for we are the ones most hard on ourselves, magnifying each "flaw." But as we have all heard time and time again, we cannot love another person or be loved by another person COMPLETELY, until we first love ourselves.

What is self-love? Many times we have a hard time with this concept because we confuse self-love with selfishness. Self-love doesn't mean always putting ourselves first or living "our way." Self-love is treating ourselves with the same compassion, forgiveness and acceptance that we would our dear friends and family. Our friends and family will undoubtedly make mistakes, and we will forgive them. They will undoubtedly stumble, and we will encourage them. But, do we do those same things for ourselves? Do we forgive ourselves? Do we encourage ourselves? Do we look in the mirror and say "I CAN!" ?

Your Turn:
This week, practice treating yourself with the kindness, compassion and encouragement with which you treat others.

Your affirmation:
I am worth complete and total love, right now, just as I am.