we can give ourself....yes, definitely ourself...especially ourself...
is the gift of freedom.
The freedom to just be...so that there is no pretending out of fear, or out of the need for acceptance, or to make an impression, or for any reason at all....
We need to love ourselves unconditionally if we want to be really free. This seems difficult, because while we can and do extend our love unconditionally outwards, it is very difficult when it has to be directed inwards, towards us...very difficult.
I came across these words by Emery Allen (am only using those that hit me between the eyes): There's a lot of wonderful time to be spent discovering yourself. You need to fill yourself up with love. Become a whole being on your own. .......sit in a coffee shop on your own,.......dress up for yourself, smile a lot. Do all things with love, but don't romanticize life.... Live for yourself. Be happy on your own.