Seeking approval

I used to try to win the approval of everyone: people close to me as well as strangers. I wanted everyone to love me. I worried about their opinion of me. I didn’t understand why I was doing this or even that I was doing it.

The only opinion of you that you will ever really know for certain is your own.

I guess I thought it would make me feel better or worthy for others to like me. It for sure didn’t. I kept chasing what I so desperately wanted, love and connection. It kept me looking outside myself for what I was denying myself.

What matters is what I feel when I look in the mirror and the love I have for myself.

I for sure have plenty of flaws and imperfections. Those flaws and imperfections guide me and remind me to strive to love myself more, to forgive myself, and to give myself some grace. They have taught me compassion and understanding for myself and others.

Everything that I’ve experienced has brought me to the place I am in my life now. Every scar has a story, and every flaw has hard earned wisdom and builds strong character.

I’m learning to build my life by doing my best in every moment. I strive to become stronger, wiser, and more deeply rooted in self-love every day. That’s our real journey and it’s an internal journey back to ourselves. It’s not a popularity contest to see how many people like us.

There are times when this journey of self-love feels lonely. That’s why it’s so important to always know ourselves and realize that we’re never alone if we love ourselves.

This journey of self-love will continue throughout our lives as we evolve and expand our understanding of what brings us joy. It’s not all about going to the spa and getting massages, although those are some of my favorite ways to pamper myself. Self-love is learning to accept yourself right where you are, no judgments, just compassion and grace. Try it! What do you have to lose?

When we change the world changes.