Life is amazing, mysterious, miraculous and extraordinarily complex. Joining two lives together can enhance the joys and multiply the complexities. Being part of a meaningful relationship is an ongoing, and at times, challenging adventure.

A great way to pamper yourself with the attention and affection that we all crave -- that we lavish on others but never think to give to ourselves -- is to have a love affair with your Self.

When it comes to expressing the truth in our heart, love cannot be commissioned. Love cannot be purchased. Love must have an open space, a safe place in which to land, tell its truth, and have room to breathe without demands or the need for defense.

Self love is the starting point, not the end game, of our conscious growth and development. For most of us, myself included, it's much easier to talk about loving ourselves than it is to actually practice it.