Love yourself for who you are

“I’m tired of working so hard to be skinny, wearing the latest clothes, and trying to get my makeup just right,” Gina, a beautiful woman, said to me one day. “I just want to be loved for me, for what’s in my heart.”

It’s healthy to look our best, but some of us substitute self-esteem for what we wear, how much money we make, and the things we possess.

One day, I met a woman who had long hair, bright eyes, and she played beautiful Irish folk music. She loved to sing and dance. Her eyes lit up when she talked about her music. I could see how passionate and alive she was. Her band performed for people, but usually for a nominal fee or for free, she explained.

“But we want to get better,” she said. “I really want to be somebody some day.”

“You are somebody now,” I said.

Pursue your dreams. Drive that car. Wear nice clothes. Have your hair done up, just right. But don’t forget to love yourself without those things.

You are somebody now.

God, help me see beyond all the exterior trappings I surround myself with. Help me see the real beauty in myself and the people in my life.

From the book: More Language of Letting Go

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