Mirror Work - Learn to Love Yourself

Too often we seek validation from other people, when what we really need is to learn to love ourselves. No one else can make us feel joy or sadness, these are feelings that are completely within our own power and control. Each and every day, we as individuals make a choice to be happy and content with ourselves, or to beat ourselves up and be miserable for the traits we "lack." True confidence comes from accepting ourselves as we are, recognizing that no one is perfect, and loving ourselves completely. Each one of us is a Divine spark of greatness. It is only when we recognize this that we are capable of spreading our love and light so that other people may benefit from the gifts we have to offer.
Mirror Work is a very powerful exercise to increase Self-Esteem and remind us of our excellence. When we look into the mirror, most of us are used to criticizing what we see and focusing on what needs "fixing." It can be very difficult to look into the mirror and tell yourself, "I love you and accept you completely."
To begin, start by writing down 5 things you like about yourself. Do this for one week, writing down a new 5 things each day. At first it may seem difficult, but this is just resistance from years of finding fault with yourself. You may start off by including some physical attributes, which is fine. Challenge yourself to include other qualities and traits that you possess (e.g. "I am great at making people smile when they are down," "I make the best oatmeal-raisin cookies!"). It may help to think of compliments people have given you. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant you think it is, everything is an important aspect of who you are. These are what make you unique!
At the end of the week, take your list and read it aloud in front of a mirror. You may feel uncomfortable at first, or even angry. Some people begin to cry, some may laugh. This is good! The mirror reflects our feelings and tells us what we need to change in ourselves. Allow yourself to be vulnerable during this exercise. No one is judging you! Soon, you will realize that you have spent years judging and criticizing yourself more harshly than you would ever do to a friend or loved one! Repeat this exercise often. And every time you are in front of a mirror, tell yourself, "I love you and accept you completely." In time, you will come to believe it and you will realize that yours in the only opinion that matters. When you love yourself, your light shines so brightly that others can't help but be attracted to you and want to know your secret.