I really enjoy the show 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and at the end of every show she always says: "If you don't love yourself how in the hell are you going to love anyone else? Can I get an amen?" AMEN!
We have been told this for most of our lives and many of us know it consciously but do we really feel it? Recently I decided that I like me, I like the person I am and the direction in which my life is heading. That doesn't mean that I can't make changes like losing weight and cutting back on junk food but overall I am a person I like to spend time with.
Once I decided this something happened in my life. I am happier. The weight is coming off and I am subconsciously making better choices. I tend to naturally lean towards decisions that will help me. Like I am doing more to advance my writing career but I am also aware that I have to limit the time I spend on the Internet due to health issues like carpal tunnel, arthritis in my neck and MS. I am getting so much more accomplished, I am more confident in my life and I smile more. I also don't care about what my neighbours are doing.
When I was unhappy with me, I would let others annoy me to no end. I would let what they said bother me but now I don't. I don't care if they think less of me or demean my accomplishments. I wasn't put on this earth to make them happy.
If you haven't come to love yourself, take a chance and do so. It'll change your life.