An inside job

It’s essential to realise that our capacity to truly love others only goes as far as our ability to accept and love ourselves – and this hinges upon knowing deep in our heart of hearts that we are enough just the way we are, completely and entirely worthy. For this reason, practise selfcompassion with an attitude of warmth, humour and benevolence. It is after all, our faults, flaws, and foibles that make us lovable. As researcher and storyteller Brené Brown explains, “vulnerability is the birthplace of belonging, creativity, joy, and love.” She also talks about the importance of being a ‘marble jar’ friend, one of those rare and special people who consistently demonstrate their trustworthiness and dependability through minor but meaningful acts, every single day.