All the relationships we have with others are directly connected to the relationship we have with ourselves. To be able to fully love others, we have to be able to first love and accept ourselves. But what does it actually mean to love ourselves? Often we confuse real love with indulgence or selfishness. However, true love for yourself means that you don’t berate or shame yourself for mistakes or faults. Loving yourself means not inflating your own image, being prideful, or thinking of yourself as superior to others. Self-love is demonstrated through kindness and patience with yourself, and celebrating mercy and justice. Additionally, loving yourself is extending self-compassion when life is harsh and painful, and not giving up on you! If we love ourselves like this, fully, completely, and with genuine love, the wellspring of love will overflow from us to everyone around us. The beauty of love is that it can’t be contained or hoarded, it compels us to give it away.