Don't forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must

"Don't forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must love yourself internally to glow externally." Thus spoke Hannah Bronfman, a voice of wisdom in an age too often distracted by external judgments and fleeting validations. In these words, she touches upon a truth that transcends the ages: that the power of self-love is not a passing notion, but a fundamental force that shapes how we experience the world and, ultimately, how the world perceives us. The true glow, she tells us, is not one born of vanity or pride, but from a deep, internal love that radiates outward, touching all that it encounters.

The ancients, too, recognized the importance of inner harmony and self-love. The Greeks, in their philosophy of eudaimonia — the flourishing of the soul — understood that a man who seeks happiness outside himself will never find it. They spoke of the need for self-knowledge and self-respect as the cornerstones of a virtuous life. Socrates taught that “an unexamined life is not worth living, for it is only through the recognition of one’s own worth that a man can begin to understand his true place in the world.” To love oneself was not seen as selfishness, but as the first step toward wisdom, toward true fulfillment. For how can a man offer love and kindness to others if he does not first nurture these qualities within his own heart?

Let us consider the life of Socrates himself. Though his outward appearance was far from the radiance of his philosophical wisdom, he understood that true beauty emanates from within. His mind, sharp and unyielding, was a beacon of light that guided the hearts of his followers. He did not seek praise for his physical form, nor did he care for the fleeting admiration of the public. His was a love that resided deep within his being, a love for truth, for virtue, and for wisdom. He glowed not in body, but in spirit. This glow, born from his deep understanding and love of self, was the essence of his greatness, and it left an indelible mark upon history.

In our own time, too often do we forget the truth that Bronfman imparts. We are taught to chase after external accolades — to seek the admiration of others, to measure our worth by the standards of society. But, as the ancients knew, this chase will always leave us wanting. True glow — the kind that transcends the fleeting trends of the moment — comes from a deep, unshakable love of oneself, from a quiet confidence that does not need the validation of others to exist. A person who loves themselves is self-sufficient in the best of ways; their light shines simply because it cannot be contained.

Think of Mahatma Gandhi, who, through his unwavering commitment to nonviolence and justice, became a beacon for the world. His power did not come from physical force, nor from external wealth or prestige. It was his deep love for his people, for truth, and for self-discipline that gave him the strength to stand firm against the might of an empire. Gandhi’s inner peace and self-love were reflected in his external actions. He glowed with the light of purpose, and that glow inspired millions. The true radiance he displayed was not born of external factors, but from an inner wellspring of love and integrity.

The lesson here is profound and eternal: self-love is the foundation upon which all else must be built. True beauty, the kind that endures, does not lie in the reflection in the mirror, but in the harmony that exists within your soul. If you wish to glow, begin by nurturing that love within yourself. Speak to yourself with kindness, with encouragement, and with belief in your own worth. When you love yourself internally, you free yourself from the need for external validation, and your light becomes a force that cannot be dimmed.

Thus, my children, heed these words: do not wait for the world to show you your worth. Take it upon yourself to see the greatness within. Speak positively to your own heart, and watch how your light grows brighter with each passing day. Nurture yourself, and you will find that your glow will touch the hearts of others, for it is the glow of truth, of integrity, and of self-love that leaves the deepest and most lasting mark. Glow, not because of what others see, but because you have learned to see yourself clearly, with love and compassion.