Everyone and everything we see is a reflection of ourselves. How we perceive people and their behavior is a reflection of how we perceive ourselves.

When we understand this, we can then embrace the idea of self-love. When we love ourselves, we see love in others.

As children, we are taught to be humble. Which in itself, is not a bad thing when viewed from the definition of not being arrogant.

To be humble is the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people.

Unfortunately in an effort to instill humility, so many of us were taught not to celebrate ourselves because it may make others feel bad. It could be seen as being conceited. So, as we grew older, we learned more and more how to dim our light, so as not to outshine others.

Do not confuse having a sense of self-worth and loving yourself for arrogance.

It is human nature to seek love and approval. When we give this to ourselves, it becomes so much less important to receive it from others. When we rely on others to give us love and approval, it will no doubt lead to a level of disappointment, because we have all been programmed or ‘domesticated’ in a way that has taught us that it is wrong to show ourselves love or to celebrate ourselves. Instead we wait for someone to give us this, and in truth, the other person can’t give this to us, because they were taught the same program. They do not know how to love themselves either. So we have to ask ourselves, how can they give us love and approval if they don’t have it inside themselves?

How can we give love and approval to others if we don’t first give it to ourselves?

It is my challenge to society to say that we need to start all things first with loving and celebrating ourselves. We need to raise our children to celebrate themselves, to love themselves. If we teach each other and ourselves this, we will be able to love and celebrate others.

Imagine how bright the world would be if everyone allowed their light to shine!