SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE

1. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences.
2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
3. A loss of interest in judging self.
4. A loss of interest in judging others.
5. A loss of interest in conflict.
6. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
7. A loss of ability to worry.
8. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes of the heart.
11. Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the urge to extend it.
12. An increasing tendency to let things happen.

Loving others more than ourselves is common. We quickly learn to accept and love others, even with all their flaws, but we use another set of rules for ourselves. Maybe it's because we know our own secrets. Maybe our self-esteem still needs an overhaul. Perhaps we think others are guilt-free. Whatever the reason, we can't really love others until we love ourselves; we can't give away something we don't have.

Luckily, we're learning new ways to boost our self- esteem. Some of us spend a few minutes before sleep reviewing the day, with special emphasis on the positive things we did. Some of us give ourselves positive strokes through the day, telling ourselves what a great job we did or how much progress we've made. Others pause each day for a "quiet time" or meditation. Still others make up a list of tasks and try to perform one each day. There are many other ways to feel good about ourselves, too; all we need is a little creative thought and effort. But it's worth the work. We're valuable, worthy of love, and gaining the tools to learn to love others.

From the book "Body, Mind, and Spirit" by Anonymous