The greater the void within, the more urgent the drive to be noticed and to be “important,” and the more compulsive the need for status. By contrast, genuine self-esteem needs nothing from the outside. It doesn’t say, “I’m worthwhile because I’ve done this, that or the other.” It says, “I’m worthwhile whether or not I’ve done this, that or the

... See more

We had touched a core reality, and that embrace of love, for me, is a metaphor of the love and embrace I needed my whole life. The longing to be wanted, really wanted; to be acknowledged that I even exist and don’t have to earn the right to exist and be alive; that I am beautiful and lovable (to be held and not treated like poison)—well, what more

... See more