A favorite teacher of mine once told me that the first step of true kindness is to be kind to oneself. At first, I cringed
internally at that; it sounded so cheesy. But I let the words simmer in my mind for a few days. That teacher, as always, was
right. True kindness does, in fact, start from within, much like how love does.

If you can’t show yourself the compassion and
understanding you offer others, it’s hard to extend that same generosity of spirit. Being kind to yourself isn’t about excusing your mistakes, but about acknowledging them without harsh self-judgment, allowing room for growth and learning. When you practice self kindness and self-love, you’re better equipped
to approach the world with empathy because you understand the value of care, especially when it’s hard to give. It’s not cheesy—it’s the first step in creating a more compassionate life,
for both yourself and those around you.

To answer the quote in question, personally it may take me awhile; perhaps a few years or centuries or eons maybe! But one day, I hope I’ll get there. I will answer the quote in blue
with a simple “Me. I love me.” After all, the only thing you are guaranteed for the entirety of your life is you.

Tips on Loving You:

• Set and maintain boundaries
• Effective communication skills
• Making a habit of asking yourself if you would treat a friend as you’re treating yourself
• Challenging negative self talk
• Make time to do the things you enjoy