... i know for me, i learned to love myself by all that i survived, went through, did for myself, and others ... it sounds silly, but my past made me love myself today - because i had to learn to take care of myself on my own, and then others, almost immediately.

all the things that brought sadness to me, the people who disappointed me, or didn't love me in return, or even care ... or abused me ... i forgave for myself.

i began to self talk positive things about me, things an imaginary loving parent would have said, or a dear friend did, or grandparent, or past therapist ... the positive things about myself, even from my pro/con lists of characteristics i wrote years ago in journals...

you get the picture.

i love myself because i am (and my list goes here).

you can make one.

start with things like - ex) whatever fits you

i love myself because -
i'm friendly, supportive, loyal, loving, kind, caring, generous, cute, funny, good fashion sense, musically inclined, sport oriented, talented, skillful, compliment people and mean it, am honest, brave, responsible, community-oriented, school-oriented, help others, feel emotions, do volunteer work, challenge myself regularly, learn new things all the time, am very flexible, forgiving, cautious, protect myself and others i love when necessary, let people be themselves, am trustworthy, experience life with open arms, greet people with an open mind, am less judgmental than before, care about world peace and feeding the poor and do something about it .... a list that fits you, you know?

these are just ideas on a place to start.

if you have 5 things your list, seal them into your heart with gratitude, and more reasons will come ... to love yourself for real.

best to you.

you are worth loving, and caring about. you have honest emotions and have been surviving difficulties. you are overcoming many things as you write.

that's 5 right there. you know more.

peace and love to you,
nightbird