On the list of those who value you, make sure you are number one.

You can exchange the word “value” with just about anything… on the list of people who love you, support you, respect you, admire you, make sure that you are on that list. Make sure to put yourself in the number one spot.

 I had an experience recently where I felt devalued by another person. It was my same old story. I felt unseen, unappreciated, and less-than. I thought it was because of the actions of another. It was not. I felt all of those things because I didn't put myself at the top of my own list. In essence, I abandoned myself for another. This is a really old and familiar story for me. The good news is that I am aware of this (with the help of a few key people in my life who help me see things when I can't) and I know that I am capable of choosing a different story. I get to create a new way of being for myself that is more truthful and aligned, a better best-version of myself, every day. And that means always making sure that I am number one on my list of people who love me.

 Remember to choose yourself, always. It is not vain or selfish to love yourself first. In fact, it is the only way we can truly love another healthfully.

 This cardinal reminds me of my grandmother Gaga, who is definitely on my list of people who love and value me just as I am. She loved cardinals, and every time I see one I am reminded of her.