If life is a classroom; then relationships are teachers.

Some relationships, such as those with our family, we are born into. Others are chosen and built over time. Learned values and examples set by relationships we hope to emulate are what we use to build healthy relationships in our own lives.

Relationships have one common denominator, YOU. To love others, we must first learn to love ourselves. This is one of the greatest truths, but one of the hardest things for each of us to accept and do.  Words, actions and reactions to situations coupled with our own self-perception, self worth and self-love can enhance or destroy the quality of those relationships.

How do we learn to love ourselves first? The answer is simple; find your AUTHENTIC self. Take time to discover or rediscover you. Be honest, forgive past mistakes, and evaluate the way you communicate, build confidence and accept YOU for YOU!

“The more you know yourself and love yourself, the more authentic you will be in your self-expression. The more authentically you show up, the more authentically someone can love you (because they will actually know who you are),” said Eve Hogan author of  How to Love Your Marriage.

Looking to others to fulfill voids or validate your happiness is not going to satiate your hunger for healthy relationships.  TRUE happiness comes from finding contentment within yourself and when you do that, you will attract the right people in your life.  Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said it best, “Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home.”

Learn to love yourself and others will be drawn to you, but not just anyone. It will be those worth building lifelong friendships and intimate relationships with. Experiences and interactions with these people will present you with opportunities to gain compassion, practice acceptance, expand wisdom and grow. The goal of our relationships after all is not just about an “end product”, but about improving the process of how we are showing up in our relationships and in our lives.

Take action.  Reevaluate and discover your AUTHENTIC SELF so you can create positive, healthy relationships in your life!

Shine ON!!

© 2012 Inspired Living, LLC

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Keri Murphy and the Inspired Living team is on a mission to empower people to use their unique talents in a way that allows them to Dream, Live and BE all that is possible through speaking, coaching, celebrity interviews and original on-line content. Get Inspired at inspiredliving.tv