Love Yourself Enough To Know That You’re Worth It

I saw a quote that read, “We cannot carry another on their own way — in soul searching, we must all find our own legs beneath us, our own voice inside of us, and our own light to guide us.”

And it really hit me.

We go through our entire lives being told that we can only be responsible for ourselves, yet we are conditioned to live completely opposite. We’re expected to do everything we can for everyone else, essentially neglecting ourselves in the process, and be okay with it.

We have this constant pressure to perform, to be perfect, and to act like everything is always okay.

And when it’s not, something is obviously wrong with us, right?

When did merely being human become something we’re so ashamed of?

Contrary to popular belief, we are allowed to have bad days.

We are allowed to have off weeks.

And we are allowed to have rough years.

Because even then, despite our shame, we are still worthy of the space we take up.

Our worth is not based on, or contingent upon, the perceptions or actions of others.

And spoiler alert: it never was.

Making yourself available to be the punching bag in someone else’s battle does not make you a good person.

It simply makes you available.

My point, I think, is that even in the midst of us striving to be the very best we can be, we’re still allowed to receive the same level of respect, love, and kindness in return.

As a matter of fact, we should settle for nothing but.

We have to take responsibility for the way we see ourselves and what we’re willing to accept from others.

We owe it to ourselves to show up for ourselves.

And when we find ourselves in the face of adversity, we have to be brave.

Even if it’s the hardest thing you will ever do, finding the courage to walk away from half-hearted anything will only push you forward.

We have to love ourselves enough to believe in our capabilities – not only what we have to offer, but what we deserve. And we deserve to be loved, exactly where we are.

You know, perhaps they knew what they were talking about when they said you can’t pour from an empty cup.

And maybe, just maybe, learning how to prioritize yourself is not only important but absolutely vital.

It all begins with you.

And you’re worth all of it.