On the journey of self-discovery, I am constantly learning and growing.

There is never a dull moment, and what I really love, is when I notice a change in my perception, thought pattern, or behaviour. I made mention of this last week.

For a lot of my life, I looked outside myself for love and approval. I never trusted in myself. I never felt good enough or worthy. But the longer I’m on the journey, the less I look for this outside approval.

It doesn’t mean I never look for approval because I do. I’m human. But now when I do, I can now observe it and notice how it feels. I don’t have to judge it.

How often do we look outside of ourselves for love and approval?

If someone treats us well and says good things, we think we are good. If someone isn’t nice we might wonder ‘what did I do wrong?' and think 'I’m not loveable. I’m not good enough.'

All too often we can take things very personally, including what people say or do. The ego can get so consumed with ‘it’s all about me’.

But what if it’s not about us?

How someone treats us doesn’t have to dictate whether we are worthy or loveable.

If we think it does, then we are giving all our power away to those people in our life - including complete strangers we meet throughout our day.

What I love exploring more and more is –

The more I take time to get to know myself, really love and honour myself, the less concerned I am with searching out the approval of others.

The journey inward transforms how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world.

When we become aware we have taken something personally can we observe it with curiousity?

Can we allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling and have compassion for the part of ourselves that is triggered rather than trying to fix it or place judgment on the other person?

There is nothing we need to fix and unlimited opportunities to love ALL parts of ourselves. (especially the parts we don't always like)

What if instead of judging or fixing, we ask ourselves:

What do I need?
How can I love myself right now?

From spiritual teacher, Adyashanti...

“When someone tells you, “I love you,” and then you feel, “Oh, I must be worthy after all,” that’s an illusion. That’s not true. Or someone says, “I hate you,” and you think, “Oh, God, I knew it; I’m not very worthy,” that’s not true either. Neither one of these thoughts hold any intrinsic reality. They are an overlay. When someone says, “I love you,” he is telling you about himself, not you. When someone says, “I hate you,” she is telling you about herself, not you. World views are self views—literally”

There is great freedom when we stop looking outside for love and approval and start to experience an infinite well of love within us.

Remember, none of us get it right every time. This journey is not about achieving perfection but about continuing to observe, learn, and grow.

Are you ready to let go of looking for approval from the outside and feeling fulfilled on the inside? Join me for this transformative 4-week Workshop 'The Journey to Self-Love'.

With love,
Diane