“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

-Buddha

We often underestimate the power and importance of self love.

People are forever searching – where’s that perfect person to complete me? When will someone “save me”? How will I get to that special individual who makes it all worth it?

When was the last time you put as much energy into loving and accepting yourself as you put into searching for the perfect partner?

There is no better person to invest in than yourself. There is no one else on earth who has your unique experiences and your background. No one else has your exact story or your set of skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Unresolved trauma can lead us to feel unworthy of love. Low self-esteem and depression can make us feel downright hideous. Rejection from our parents, friends, or first loves early on can be crippling. Fear of rejection can lead us to try to please others at the expense of our own needs.

Love yourself enough to work on the rough parts while still cherishing the great bits. Ignore society’s almost a neurotic interest in finding a perfect all encompassing romantic love. The only relationship you’re promised for a lifetime is the one you have with yourself.  Once you love, accept, and respect yourself – you’ll be surprised at all the incredible variants of love you can receive in return.