Dear (Contact First Name), 

 

2010 is the year for weddings and celebrations of love's longevity amongst my family and friends.  In June, my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage, just a week after a family friend (whom we've known since her birth) was married to her university sweetheart.  I was also honoured to witness the wedding of dear friends who, after 14 years together proclaimed their ceremony as "getting more married." 

 

All of these celebrations have got me thinking about love.  Love hasn't always come easily to me.  Or should I say I haven't always easily accepted the love that has come to me.  I've deflected and resisted love, and came to understand that it was because I didn't love myself.  As I have learned to love myself, I see that love is flowing towards me all the time.  I believe that love is the foundation for all spiritual and personal growth.  When we accept and love ourselves, we let go of our habitual patterns of self loathing, self-pity, negative self-talk, and addictions.

 

You don't need a ceremony, a fancy dress or a tux, a guest list or invitations.  Just be nice to yourself.  Stop telling yourself stories that degrade and hurt you.  Accept your shortcomings with kindness, and nudge yourself towards greatness.  Share your love with yourself and others, and watch it grow.