We are hard-wired to connect with others, it’s what gives our lives purpose and meaning, and without it, there will be suffering. And yet, there may be times that you need or just want to disappear and hide. In truth, disappearing or shutting down doesn’t take much energy and may seem so much easier than acknowledging that you’re worthy of being here and facing the pain that’s required to be seen.

However, we all need to be seen. It’s part of what makes us human. When we don’t allow ourselves to be seen, we diminish our importance in this world. We undervalue ourselves. We hold ourselves back from greatness. We stifle our contributions. And it just plain doesn’t feel good. So, today set your intentions to allow your true, authentic self to be seen. And being seen begins with you loving and approving of yourself. It begins with loving yourself even when you stumble and fall, even when other people seem to not like you or have decided that you’re not quite right.

Today, accept that a life of joy is one in which you feel comfortable showing who you are to the world. It begins with knowing that you deserve a life of joy. When you love yourself, you become illuminated, and you can’t help but be seen. So today, allow yourself to be seen because the truth is that the world needs to see you as much as you need to be seen.

Just for today, I love and approve of myself unconditionally. I will not allow noise, chatter, or setbacks to distract me. I will allow patience, purpose, commitment, and grace to guide me. I am safe. I am seen and loved. And everything is working out for my highest good. And so, it is.