It’s simple. You are worth it. Your happiness is worth everything. Here’s why: 2. Because when you shine, others will ignite. While I was living at an Ashram in the rolling hills of California, our Swami’s often reinforced the idea daily that we are all living lights. We glow! And you know what I’m talking about – there are those folks that “light up the room” when they enter, or who “radiate” when they smile. Without discomfort and unhappiness fogging your mind, you can make space for the light in your chest to shine. You will be brilliant. When you’re illuminated, you can feel it! You’re confident, happy, full of laughter, and you simply want to share it with everyone you encounter. And to share this light, you don’t even have to try. You just have to be you! Smile at strangers! Give someone a warm embrace. Be there – with mind and body – for your loved ones. Spread compassion with soft eyes. Be the light, and you will ignite the light in others. 3. When it comes down to it, you’re all you’ve got. And this isn’t as bleak as it sounds; it is a beautiful thing! It’s a chance to realize your worth. To understand that everyone is born alone, and everyone dies alone. There is no one in this world that matters more than you. To some, this is a hard concept to accept. Parents will always love their children unconditionally – perhaps more than they love themselves. But think back to what I mentioned earlier. When you shine, you will spread your light to others. It’s the same in any situation. If you are devoting most of your time to the care of another, you aren’t truly giving them all of yourself. You will always experience an ache – a yearning! – for self love and care. For freedom. For happiness. However, if you make sure you’re shining and joyous first, then you will give them twice as much love and kindness as before. If you treat yourself with loving kindness, proper nutrition, and gentile patience, you will be more likely to express these traits to those who you love and care for. So love yourself! Make sure that you’re happy. Are you living someone else’s story? If you are, pick up your pen, take off the cap, and begin writing your own. Share it with others, and invite them warmly into your heart. But don’t forget – you are a beautiful being. You are light, you are a blessing, and you are worth everything.
