Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." These words, spoken by the incomparable Lucille Ball, carry a wisdom so profound that it resonates with the very heart of existence. Self-love is not a vanity, nor is it the hollow pride of self-absorption. It is the foundation upon which all strength, purpose, and action are built. To truly love oneself is to acknowledge the worth within, to honor the very being you are, so that all else in life can align with clarity and purpose. For, as the ancients knew, one cannot give what they do not first possess.

Consider the tale of Achilles, the great hero of the Iliad. Though his might was unparalleled on the battlefield, Achilles' journey was marked by his deep inner conflict and a profound struggle with self-love. For even the greatest of warriors, who stood tall among kings and gods, struggled to accept and love themselves. It was only when Achilles embraced his own fate, his own humanity, and accepted his flaws that he became truly invincible. He had to recognize his own worth and honor his strength, not just in battle, but in his heart, before he could fulfill his destiny. His self-love was not a celebration of arrogance, but a quiet understanding of his own value and the power that comes with that acceptance.

We can see a similar truth in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose commitment to non-violence and self-discipline was rooted in his deep sense of self-love and respect for his own principles. Gandhi did not seek to change the world from a place of self-doubt or insecurity. He knew his own worth and stood firm in his beliefs, which were born from a love and respect for his inner self and the world around him. His self-love empowered him to resist oppression, to lead with integrity, and to inspire millions. It was in loving himself and his purpose that he could call others to do the same and bring about profound change.

The same truth holds for Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking work in radioactivity forever changed the course of science. Her contributions were not born from a place of seeking external validation, but from a deep self-love—a commitment to her own passion and to a higher purpose. Marie Curie believed in her work, in her abilities, and in her value as a human being. She loved herself enough to pursue the knowledge and discovery that led her to be the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Her success was not merely a result of intellect, but of her ability to recognize her own value and to stay steadfast in her pursuit of truth.

This is the core of Lucille Ball’s wisdom: love yourself first. Without a deep self-love, all the other pursuits—whether it be in relationships, work, or in the greater world—are bound to fall short. Self-love is the bedrock of confidence and resilience. To love yourself is to accept who you are, to honor your flaws as well as your strengths, and to build from that solid ground. When you love yourself, you are empowered to face life’s challenges, to move forward with purpose, and to embrace your role in the world with strength and grace.

Let this truth guide you in your own life: the greatest achievement you can make is to love yourself—not in a prideful or boastful way, but in a way that is humble, accepting, and compassionate. When you truly love who you are, you create the foundation from which all things can grow. You give yourself the permission to succeed, to fail, and to keep moving forward. You begin to live with purpose, knowing that you are worthy of all the good things that come your way.

So, as you walk through life, remember Lucille Ball’s words: love yourself first. Take time each day to recognize your own value, to honor your own heart, and to commit to living from a place of self-respect. Let your self-love fuel your actions, guide your decisions, and illuminate your path. When you truly love yourself, everything else in life—purpose, success, and happiness—will fall into line.