In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.

Hey,

I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and I wanted to share something that's been settling in my heart. You see, truly loving who you are means you can't keep holding onto that bitterness towards the experiences that shaped you. Those rough patches, the heartaches, the moments that knocked you sideways—they're all part of the story that made you, you. Hating them only keeps you stuck, doesn't it? Instead, try seeing them as the quiet teachers they were, even if they felt anything but gentle at the time.

The real key to a good life, I reckon, is learning to love yourself unconditionally—no strings attached, no "ifs" or "buts." It's that steady, everyday kind of love that says you're worthy just as you are, right here in this moment. But if you're finding that hard, if it's feeling out of reach, that's okay. It doesn't mean you're broken; it just means it's time for a change. Shift what you can—your habits, your surroundings, the voices you listen to—until you start to feel that warmth towards yourself again. Change isn't failure; it's you honouring the person you want to become.

And listen, it doesn't matter a jot if others love you if you haven't found that love for yourself first. Sometimes people think they're loving you, but really, they're just loving the version of you that fits their picture—the one they want you to be, not the real you with all your edges and dreams. That's not love; that's convenience. You deserve to love the you that you choose, the one that lights up when you're being true to your own path. You don't owe anyone anything—not your time, not your energy, not even your explanations. You're not here to perform for applause.

That's why boundaries are everything. Set them kindly but firmly, like drawing a line in the sand that says, "This is my space, and I value it." Be kind, be good—pour that goodness out into the world because it's who you are, not because you're waiting for it to come back around. And if it doesn't? If someone takes without giving, or leaves you feeling smaller? You have every right to step away. Remove yourself with grace; it's not running, it's protecting the beautiful heart you've worked so hard to nurture.

You're enough, exactly as you are. Hold onto that, and watch how everything starts to feel a little lighter. I'm rooting for you, always.

With love,

Darren 🤍🌹

Love Centered Life

www.lovecenteredlife.org