(If you're in Gmail this email may be messed up at the bottom - just click the "View entire message" link at the bottom to read the whole thing).

Hey brother,

“The more you love yourself, the less nonsense you'll tolerate.”  ~ Earnest Hemingway, possibly

 

This quote caught my eye because it speaks to a deeper level of self-awareness I think every man needs.

 

Do you actually LIKE yourself when nobody is watching?

 

One of the biggest reasons men THINK they are experiencing negativity, sadness or rejection is because they secretly think they need someone to LIKE them.

 

And when we need someone else to like us it usually means we're feeling empty inside. 

 

The emptiness feeling comes from insecure thoughts of abandonment, inadequacy and "undesireability".   We're seeking external acknowledgement and validation to change those thoughts which will change the feelings.

 

Is it wrong to WANT a loving, caring, kind and supportive partnership?  

 

Heck no.  I think we ALL want that.  

 

But if we want that because we're empty inside, we will never, ever get enough external soothing. 

 

And that's a problem. 

 

Nobody wants to be responsible for continually filling up our insatiable need for being liked.

 

I'm in the business of helping men to deeply appreciate, respect and LIKE themselves...without being jerks or assholes.

 

I've learned it's these guys who end up attracting all the attention, kindness and support they want. 

 

As Robert Holden said in his book, Happiness Now, You enjoy as much happiness as you believe you're worthy of.

 

Psychologists may refer to this liking yourself stuff as self-acceptance.  That topic goes pretty deep.  But for today, let's just talk about having a few hours this weekend of simply digging yourself.

 

When was the last time you were alone laughing and dancing with nobody but you?  Do you dig yourself enough to enjoy your own company?

 

Watch this video to see how I did it this morning.  

 

Yeah, I'm actually going to video me dancing which goes totally against my instincts!

As Teddy Roosevelt said: 

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” 

What have you got to lose?

With love, brother, 

Steve