I want to give you fifteen special minutes.
Fifteen minutes in which only you matter.
Just you. No one else.
A small pocket of time where you can surrender to unconditional love.
Love for yourself.
Do you still remember what it feels like to be truly loved?
When there is no but, no if.
When there are no conditions, no expectations, no rules?
If you no longer remember, then now is the time.
Hold yourself tightly and whisper to yourself:
I love you very much.
Remind yourself of how lovable you are.
Say it out loud so you can truly hear it:
I love your body—the home that holds you, protects you, and nourishes you.
I love every single part of you.
I love your thoughts, which carry you forward in life.
I love your feelings, because they are what make you who you are.
I love you in the morning, when you wake up and you’re still a little groggy.
I love you when energy is bursting inside you.
And I love you when you’re ill, because then I rest inside you too.
I love you when you’re cheerful.
And I love you when you see the world in darker shades.
I love you when you’re hopeful.
And I love you even when you’re on the verge of giving up.
I love you, and I respect you
for your courage,
for your struggles,
and for your will.
I love you even when you don’t know which way to go next.
When you’re tired and don’t want to grow, learn, or be better.
When you don’t fix yourself and don’t look for solutions.
I love you for your mistakes,
for your uncertainties,
for your silences.
For who you are still becoming,
not only for who you have already become.
Keep these fifteen minutes for yourself, and return to them whenever you need to.