The LUV deed of goodness has an inward and an outward focus:
Value the goodness in yourself
and
Nurture the goodness in others.
In the Philosophy for LYF we sometimes shorten this to “value yourself and nurture others” for brevity, but it should always be kept in mind that goodness is embodied and imbued in all the key concepts of the philosophy. LRN LAF LUV LIV are not just deeds, they are deeds of goodness.
Why the distinction is important
Some people may have a high value of themselves. They may value their cunningness to swindle and steal, their skills to manipulate and marginalize, or their ability to hurt and hate. They may value themselves based on their money or their physical possessions. They may think they are better than others. They may put other people down so they can value themselves higher.
This type of “valuing yourself” is not what LUV is about. LUV requires goodness as its foundation.
Value the goodness in yourself
Valuing the goodness in yourself is about recognizing the goodness you have within yourself, appreciating the value of your goodness and your goodness yet to come, and loving who you are in that regard.
Valuing the goodness in yourself gives you purpose – you know you have goodness that you can give to yourself and others. This purpose ties nicely with the second truth in your life: your life matters.
Valuing the goodness in yourself also gives you hope – you know you have goodness within you and that you can continually improve the goodness in yourself. This hope ties with the third truth of your life: your life can be better.
Valuing the goodness in yourself also gives you a special kind of love – you recognize and understand the value and potential of the goodness you have within yourself, loving yourself for who you are in that regard. This love comes from within and is not dependent on others to validate you.
Valuing the goodness in yourself also gives you true wealth – you believe in yourself, feel good about yourself, and keep yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. This true wealth allows you to love, care about, and nurture others much more easily. It is difficult to love others when you do not love who you are, and it is not sustainable to give love only to others while denying it to yourself.
There are a lot of words in the field of psychology related to valuing yourself: self-esteem, self-love, self-acceptance. What is unique and important to LUV and an elevated life is that goodness is the foundation.
So go forward full of goodness and LUV yourself…so that you may LUV others.
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