Love. Yourself.

For some reason, love has been confused as the affection others show us. Before loving anyone, we have to learn to love ourselves. We seek attention from others because we haven't paid enough of it to ourselves. When we love ourselves, we know how to treat others (as we can empathize) and realize our self-worth. When we are harsh on ourselves, we will be harsh on others (subconsciously). A friend once said self-judgement is a form of egocentrism. Why do we set such high bar for ourselves and not others? Do we expect more from ourselves because we think we are better? When we forgive ourselves, we let others into our lives. We get access to a new mindset. It's courage disguised as faith's cousin. Defenses might protect us on the surface, but they are also blocking growth internally. And the person we are most scared of, ourselves, is damn good at building defense mechanisms. So good that we convince ourselves we aren't capable or deserving of certain things that we start depending on others to make us happy and when others don't "provide" that happiness or love, we think there's something wrong with ourselves and continue a negative cycle. Before looking anywhere for love, we have to look within ourselves first. Do we make an effort to become more positive everyday? Do we laugh when we can? Apologize when we should? And let go of what we can't change? Forgive yourself. Better yourself. Love yourself. ​