Do you want to feel needed? A sense of belonging? Do you feel safer know there's a place for you?  

I believe these thoughts and feelings penetrate every part of our life. Perhaps they contribute to how we see ourselves? 

• Knowing that there will be a job for me at work helps me feel that I have something to give.

• Knowing that my friends need me to be their friend helps me feel that I am worthy of friends.

• Knowing that my partner won't ever leave me helps me feel that I am worth being with.

• Knowing that my kids will take care of me helps me feel that I won't be abandoned.

Where does the list end?  

I believe the list ends when we realize that we don't need others to feel valued, worthy, or safe. What we need is to be the best of friends to ourselves.  

• You have work to do, and there will be people who need the work that you do. Find them. Serve them.

• You are worthy of knowing and associating with other humans that you can call friends. You are worthy because you are kind and loving to yourself and, therefore, with others.

• You are worthy of others wanting to partner with you because you know where you are going, you know what matters to you, and you found someone who wants to join you on the journey.

• You are worthy of feeling safe because you came into this life alone, you - alone - became who you are, and you will leave this life the same way.

The message is to realize that you are your reason for success. You are the reason that others want to work with you or know you. You are your own solace, and you are your motivation.   

There's a place for people like us.