One great advantage of living in our time is that you can be whoever you want to be. It’s also one of the greatest ironies, since most decide to be just like everyone else. You can say that your influences, the media, and this converging world confuse you more than they bring clarity to who you should become. It may be really hard to be yourself when your perceptions are constantly being shaped by trends and influenced by what’s popular.
CONFORMING TO SURVIVE
Humans tend to conform. We discovered early on that it can help us survive. It’s like if you stand out so much, you risk exposing yourself to danger, pain or hurt. And so the self, the one that’s truly and uniquely you, may find it very difficult to come out. You fear judgement and rejection. You want safety. You’d want to feel secure. And so you conform. Some people have mastered the art of conforming so well, it’d make you wonder if they ever hate themselves for it. And, would they ever forgive themselves for giving up on the self that they can become?
Again, as in most things in life, it’s a trade-off between security and freedom.
GETTING THE COURAGE TO BE YOURSELF
But, is it really? Can’t you have the courage to be who you really are?
This talk by Bruce Cairnie, highlights three things that can give you courage to be yourself. He talks about self-worth, self-love and the ability to recognize a need for growth. These beautiful concepts will help you realize how in very simple ways, you can construct or maybe redeem yourself.
Self-worth comes from the fact that you are here. You breathe, you live, you are. You’re worthy, you’re enough.
And if you’ll only acknowledge those facts, then self-love will be easy on you. Self-love is recognizing your strengths, your accomplishments. It’s affirming the things that went well in your life, no matter how big or small they are. But it’s also about recognizing your weaknesses and imperfections, that you deserve the chance to change and grow.
You’re a work in progress. And you develop yourself in your own time, at your own pace, within the confines of an environment of your choice. If you’ve got self-love then you know, you got to give yourself the patience to become who you want to be, to let out that person who you truly wanted to become. To build up that courage to be yourself.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but that latest campaign you’ve seen of us was done just so you’d react exactly the way you do right now.
Yes, we keep track of you and we do our best to know you. There are times when we don’t get it, but whenever we do, it goes down so good, you’ll never knew what hit you. And we’d always, always leave you wanting more of it. In fact, it may stay on your system for days, years or your lifetime.
It’s not magic, nor rocket science. It’s Marketing.
When we put something up, we make sure that it’s something you’d at least notice.
Campaigns aim to affect your perception. It conditions your mind to think in a certain way, to manifest behaviors that would best serve the brand’s purpose. The goal is to get you to the place where we want you. All these without being so obvious.
How do we do that? Take note of how we communicate. We anchor our messages to your beliefs, we made them stand on your values, we rest them in your hopes. We’d make you feel like you’re standing in front of the Mirror of Erised, you’ll see everything that you ever want.
Because at the most basic level of consumption is the idea of needs and wants. You may need food, but you wouldn’t just have any food. There would always be something that you’d want more than anything else. And when you back this up with money, then a purchase transaction happens. That’s our moment of truth. It’s the ultimate test of how well we facilitated your journey. We finally got you where we want you. And sometimes, we also influence the time when you’d want more of what we offer. Or the how’d you want the offer to be.
Campaigns let you on the choices that you have.
Don’t misconstrue Marketing. We’re not here to deceive you. To think of consumers as pushovers or fools belittles our industry. We hold you in high esteem. We want to believe that a brand stands out because the best people support it, because it makes so much sense to have it in your life.
Also, we’re bound by law to tell you the truth. We just talk in way that you’d find it hard not to listen, we present in a way that you can’t help but be engaged, we act in a way that you’d find it hard not to talk about it with others. And we change because that’s just how you are.
And because, well, we Marketers are all brilliant like that!
With his fist raised in the air, Daniel Blake stood before the graffiti he made on the walls of State Welfare. This protest will be his first offense after being a citizen of good standing for 50 years. And some weeks later, he dies.
A sympathizer raises Daniel Blake’s hand as he protests in front of State Welfare. Photo downloaded from I, Daniel Blake official Facebook page. No Copyright infringement intended.
OF STATE WELFARE AND SOCIAL CONTRACTS
In a democratic form of government, there exist the theory of social contract, with which comes reciprocated duties. This means that the sovereign is committed to the good of the individuals who constitute it, and each individual is likewise committed to the good of the whole[1]. Having said these, the individuals gather as one to decide which laws to enact, laws which will then give each person equal rights and privileges. In turn, individuals must perform their duty to the sovereign – obeying laws, paying taxes, etc. This seems to be a very noble ideal. And though Rousseau’s idea can optimally work in a particularly small community, the tenets, if coordinated well, may be applied to an entire state or country.
However, it seems that the system, claimed to have been collectively created and agreed upon, squeezes the breath out of the body it desperately wants to keep alive. The processes imposed are often unnecessary, winding and neglect the urgency of need. This becomes especially frustrating in State/Social Welfare.
Daniel Blake’s story is one that you hear any day of the year. Why, people always get into welfare for some reason or another. But the tedious process of finally benefiting from your right and privilege can sometimes be ridiculous and often, delayed. You can’t help but think that maybe the processes they put in place in Welfare came straight out of a Franz Kafka’s book.
But unlike W.H. Auden’s Unknown Citizen, who chose to just go down and live the life of a conformist, Ken Loach and Paul Laverty’s Daniel Blakerefused to surrender his self-respect.
MEET DANIEL BLAKE
Daniel tried to bear with the system but was always told that what he’s done isn’t enough. He was even threatened with sanctions. We’re made to believe that the people at State Welfare work for the poor. But it’s looks like they’re just slaves of the system. Funny when we tell politicians what they’re doing isn’t enough, all we ever receive is a shrug. They even have the nerve to plunder. Those representatives know the steps very well, but they cannot identify with the people they’re supposed to serve. Yes, there are people who lie about their conditions, but not everyone should be punished just because few people are crooked. Also they imposed requirements that not everyone is capable of doing so. Or they include steps that require assistance that they actually failed to put in place.
WHY IT’S WORTHY:
The plot of the film is simple, even predictable to some. But the glaring truth in all those scenes is just so hard to ignore. You can see people in need driven further to destitution because the state which promised to take care of them has now become reluctant, even doubtful. How can people live with dignity in a society that tolerates such system? And yet, we see them in every part of the world. Do we just exist to put each other in miseries?
I’ll go as far to say that I, Daniel Blake, is a powerful film on a pressing social issue that most people just shrug off every day. It shows that we must clamor for improvement so that nobody has to sacrifice unnecessarily. So that we know it’s only right to demand for the sovereign’s part of reciprocated duties. And finally, so that we all can live and die with dignity.
The race to come in second after America is turning into a most interesting battle of wits and satire. After Holland’s Introductory Video became viral, several other TV shows from different countries followed suit. The competition has since become very steep.
Each video highlights the uniqueness of each country – nature, technology, culture and people. Each shows what they can offer, how they’re very compatible with America and how some of their leaders (past and present) are so similar to Donald Trump.
I especially love the segments where they highlight “alternative facts” and even alienated some of their own customs and history.
While some grovelled to be in second place, a few just wished to be at least in the top 10.
While some just want to be ahead of others:
Israel just has a cheeky reminder though:
FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT
Through these videos, you’ll learn about the quirks and weird traditions that each country has. The ironic turns of their history which are sometimes funny and sometimes painful. And of course, how countries are very similar to people when it comes to biases and beliefs.
Of course, none of these are official political videos. They’re just meant to be amusing. And if you can see anything more than that, well, you’re so entitled to it. It’s your opinion anyway.
Silence is about the dangers and sufferings of early Christians in Japan. It also shows how the local government reacted to this Western religion and the lengths they’d gone in order to break Christian priests. At length, it narrates how these Christian priests have fallen for and from their faith, either through death or great torture. It features their moments of doubt both in themselves and in their God.
The film have stunning landscapes and great photography. Every detail is made to be pleasing to the eyes. Even character deaths are made poignant to a fault. I won’t go on about how visually appealing the film was. Let the technical critics deal with that. I want to talk about how Silence presented Japan and Christianity.
JAPAN AND CHRISTIANITY
Though not mentioned in the film, there could be so many reasons that the Japanese government had to be vigilant of this religion.
The 1600’s is the height of the Age of Exploration. European countries are going out to the New World, to discover new frontiers and of course, establish their claim to these lands. More often disguised as missionary voyages, these trips are actually economic exercises, designed to increase the wealth of their country of origin. At this time, Japan has one of the most advanced societies in the East. They may have seen through the movements of European countries and recognized Christianity as a ploy to invade their land.
Also, Christianity may cause structural strain because of the doctrines it preaches. For the Japanese peasants during the 1600s, Christianity is a most agreeable prospect. In the strict caste system of their society, they’re people who were born to do hard labor. It’s their duty to pay taxes and endure worst living conditions. They were serfs, subject of daimyos who claim to give them protection. Apparently, they didn’t feel secure at all, as they seek solace in the idea of a God who’ll reward them a place in Paradise after they die. While the daimyo’s demands are too high, God only requires faith. While they were raised to believe that not all men were created equal, here’s an idea that all men were created in the likeness of God. It’s a clear choice for this people.
In a worst case scenario, this might even lead to rebellion. Christianity worships Jesus, son of God, whose reign is prophesied to be supreme among all peoples of all nations.
WHAT SILENCE TELLS ME:
Silence shows what these early missionaries lack – a deep understanding of the current culture and customs of the people they wished to convert to Christianity. They failed to understand the workings of Japanese society. They failed to anticipate the interpretation of these doctrines in the Japanese point of view. It seems that the promise of Paradise have become more important than any other Christian teachings.
Japan and Christianity is like oil and water. In fact, even today, only 1% of Japan’s population are Christians. This is a strong proof that even after centuries of crusading for this faith, oriental beliefs and religions still dominate this eastern country. I’m afraid it is what as the film says, Japan is like a swamp. Nothing can grow there (in terms of propagating Christian beliefs). At least, that 1% now enjoys the freedom of religion. This film was made to commemorate and honor the brave men and women of faith who faced persecution.
MOST MEMORABLE PART:
“Before it’s all right to be a Christian. It’s so unfair that I only get to live now [when Christians are being persecuted].”
This is Kijichiro’s lament. I’m not sure how to interpret his presence in Padre Rodrigues’s life. Sometimes, I look at him as temptation personified, and sometimes, I see him as the personification of Hosea’s* wife. He commits sins again and again. Then he repents again and again. And the Lord (thru Padre Rodrigues) pardons his sins again and again. He’s an authentic human being – always prone to committing mistakes, contradicting himself, feeling guilty and wanting to repent.
*If you’re familiar with the Christian Bible, Hosea is a prophet with an unfaithful wife. She commits adultery again and again. But Hosea takes her back every time. Their relationship symbolizes the love that God has with His chosen people (Israel). No matter how many times they’ve sinned, God’s always willing to take them back.
MOST HEARTBREAKING PART:
“It took four days for Mokichi to die.”
In a manner that’s very reminiscent of Jesus’ last moments, Mokichi’s persecution included being tied to a cross until he dies. This cross stood on a rocky coast, facing the ocean. It left him, and two others, exposed to the strong waves and the hot sun. And when his fellow believers died, he begged God to welcome their souls and to get a place ready for them in Paraiso.
Hot air balloons are always fascinating for me. The sheer size of it demands attention. It makes you long for the skies, to be up there, touching the clouds and braving the winds. I heard so many fun tales of people who ride hot air balloons, though I never knew all the technicalities that went behind it. That’s until the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Only Happens in February
We can’t have hot air balloons festival anytime that we want. We were told that air and weather conditions are major factors in the success of hot air balloons. Here in the Philippines, the balloon festival happens only in February because it’s the coldest time of the year. This cold temperature is essential in helping the balloons inflate and float in the air. There’s only a short window time that the team can take advantage of so that the balloon can take flight.
We’re favored with clear skies and cold morning. All set for the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
These two coast guard planes will take the sky divers to the sky. One of them carries the Philippine flag to official begin the festivity.
Filled with Air, Full of Colors
International teams participated in the fiesta. There were groups coming in from France, Switzerland, Germany and Japan. Each of the team first filled the envelopes with cold air. Hot air is then fed to the envelope once it’s had enough of the cold air.
Some of the balloons seen at the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
It’s amazing to see the envelopes form into fun shapes and familiar faces. There was an animal, a car, and a cartoon character. But mostly they were of local brands. Each one is colorful though. The group of hot air balloons floating against the clear skies is truly a wonderful sight.
We would have preferred to see more balloons up in the air, but it’s only this set and then some that were able to take flight.
Some balloons never made it to the air that day, despite the effort of its crew. The Coca-Cola blimp, though very impressive, just stayed on ground. Same fate with the car and the beagle.
Not Made to Be Enjoyable for All
I’ve been highly involved in similar events. The work of handling around 50,000 patrons, plus coordinating with the sponsors and performers are certainly not to be trifled with. Add to the fact that pretty much everything highly depends on the weather. So kudos to the team for that.
However, as a first time participant, I expected more. The long waiting time at the start of the show is fine. We understand that the teams were waiting for the perfect weather conditions to happen. But the activities that took place after that are of entirely different matter. I’ve heard negative comments about this event before. Now I know what they’re talking about.
Increase Display Screens or Monitors in the Field
The crowd can be as good as 50,000 strong, the event hosts mentioned it a couple of times. The field can take in such amount of people, all right. But to build a little stage at the far end of the field isn’t the best idea. Yeah, I get it, that it must be close to where the divers would land or whatever. But it’s size is so inadequate. That stage is only good for 5000 people.
They may also try to increase visibility of air shows on the ground, maybe through projectors or big screens situated at several places in the field. The crowd may be big, but if they can give their sponsors such large space to display and sell products, surely they can also have the same privilege. Since most activities are air shows, people on ground would have wanted a clearer view of what’s happening. The crowd will appreciate that more.
This twin tandem gave a spectacular air show during the event, though.
What of the skydivers doing acrobatics in the air, when you couldn’t see their moves clearly? Where’s the wow factor in that? How do the spectators share that experience? Do you expect people to be happy just by taking photos or videos of another person enjoying himself in the air?
That’s why most people just while away their time flying kites or going to the sponsor booths, instead of going to the stage and actually enjoying the lineup of activities that the host prepared. Some may have even went to other tourist attractions nearby.
Still, organizers may argue that if they really want an awesome experience, they should have paid for the hot air balloon ride. To this, I say, you’re missing the point. What, you think all those people went there because they actually want to ride the balloons? That they can actually pay for that? No, these people want to be entertained with an air show. At least give us that.
Also, can you like have a display of at least 5 air crafts at a time? That’d be miles amazing compared to a single plane, taking up more divers in the air.
Make the Advertisers’ Balloon More Entertaining or Creative
We appreciate the A-380 during the show. But that’s a blatant advertisement. Same as the balloons of local brands. Maybe you can ask your advertisers to be more creative with their balloons, like the one that Coca Cola has. It did not fly, but the impact was there. Everybody saw Coca Cola, even though it’s Pepsi that has a booth on the ground. I got a more favorable brand experience with the soda brand, than with a local media station balloon that looks dirty and ready to retire any minute.
So to the organizers, maybe I’m asking for too much, but you can also ask yourself if you can just give us less. If you can just make good on the hot air balloon display, then please just focus on that. Don’t try to prolong the spectator’s day with activities that will not enrich their experience. It’s so hot out in the field. There were children and old people, too. Yes, the environment is something you can’t control. But you’re not giving the spectator’s any comfort at either.
Also, I know, that after 20 years, you’ve seen this pattern: Parking area full before the hot air balloon activity. Number of cars in the parking area reduced to 30% just after 9am. It’s time you do something about this.
Still, It’s Something to Look Forward To
I came to the event in a public joiners tour. Maybe next year, I’ll go on my own or arranged it with friends with a car. It’s really nice to see those balloons in the air. Check on this website for event updates.
I’m not that into poetry. And there were a couple of poets mentioned in the film that I never heard of before. But I really like how Paterson was presented. Every scene seemed to be full of meaning, each moment seemed to be necessary. This movie may be boring, slow-paced, or even a waste of time for others. But I guess, Paterson would just look away and chuckle on how natural and poetic those reactions were.
Meet Paterson
The movie is about the life of an ordinary bus driver in a city with the same name. A bus driver who also wants to be a poet and has a very beautiful wife. A wife who’s very artistic and great at making black and white cupcakes. A couple who has a pug that the man takes out every night for a walk. A pug who’s so jealous of it’s master’s wife that it tore the master’s secret notebook of poems to pieces.
Paterson’s daily schedule is so predictable. He wakes up between 6:10 and 6:15, eats breakfast, goes to work, and goes home. He walks the dog at night, visits his favorite bar to have a mug of beer, then goes home and sleep. That’s the process, until Sunday, when he can sleep in and spend time as he like – with his wife or taking a walk around the city.
Our main character is also peculiar. He doesn’t own any modern gadgets – no smartphones, laptops, etc. He believes life will work out even without those things. The world worked out just fine before those things were invented. But he eventually need to borrow a girl’s smartphone to report that his bus had an electrical problem and his passengers needed to be transferred to another bus.
The movie is full of scenes taken out of our ordinary, everyday life. They are normal, familiar situations. They’re nothing special. And so, these are also the moments that we likely take for granted. Until we share Paterson’s perspective at the end, “Would you rather be a fish?”
What Paterson Tells Me
Paterson’s poems may not have seen better days. But the blank notebook that he’s given at the end signified hope. That blank notebook reinforces what all humans know:
We can always start over, even after losing something very precious to us. That whenever we’re to begin, lots of possibilities lay in front of us. And no matter how bad it gets, somehow, we’ll never trade places for anything. We’d rather live our lives over, making little or big changes here and there. But we’ll never trade who we are or what we live for.
Oh, the poetry of our mundane, ordinary lives.
Most Endearing Part
The tender kisses that Paterson gives his wife every time he wakes up just shows how he’s so in love with her. Besides the passionate words in his poems, his actions truly proves the depth of his feelings for his wife. Too bad, Laura never get to hear his love poems. All through-out, we’re being shown how Paterson and Laura is perfect for each other.
Most Heartbreaking Part
Laura was trying to comfort Paterson after they found that his secret notebook of poems has been torn to pieces. Paterson told him not worry, because “They’re just words”. But to him who wanted nothing else but put words together, that must have hurt so much. It’s also the part of the film where I realized how deep the understanding goes between the couple.
Check this website if you want to read the three poems featured in the film. For the film’s casts and directors, refer to this page.
Possibilities spell out the likelihood of an event or thing from happening. You can also say that they prelude changes. And like life itself, possibilities aren’t just about dealing with solid negative or flat-out positive outcomes. They’re also filled with gray areas. After all, nobody ever has 100% information every time.
Instead of freezing up in the face of possibilities, here’s what you can do:
1. Get your facts straight.
You got to establish the premise that the possibility can exist at all. Look at the proof or evidence. How do they support or disprove the possibility? Though intuition can get you far, hard facts and evidences keep you grounded on reality and help you come up with a sensible plan.
2. Pick your stance.
Your attitude toward possibilities depends on their impact to your life. This means that you’re most likely to act indifferent if the possibility is less likely to happen and if it happens, it wouldn’t affect you that much. This is a case of live and let live.
It gets trickier though, when a possibility is more likely to happen and can greatly affect your life. You have to think about how the outcome can be an advantage or a disadvantage to you. Of course, when you identify it as an advantage, you may be excited or overjoyed! But if it’s a disadvantage, you may be frightened and anxious. These emotions are understandable, but useless. The possibility is more likely to happen, anyway. So you better get your act together.
3. Develop a plan and stick to it.
Whether it’s a positive or negative outcome, you need a plan on how to face the situation when it happens. When you identify the possibility as an advantage, determine how you can maximize it. Will it so that others can benefit from it as well. Express gratitude and infect others with positivism.
If the possibility would have an adverse effect, brace yourself. Identify the specific aspect of your life that will be hit the most. Is there any way to limit or minimize its effect? Determine the time frame that you’ll be working on. This will help you set priorities. You can also ask for help. In times when you don’t have enough answers, look for people who can fill in the blanks for you. You’ll never be 100% ready, so leave a room for faith. Everything does work at the end, but the essence of the plan is to carry you through it all so that you can reach the end.
In both cases, practice caution. Great expectations over possibilities with great advantages may lead to misery when they unfold in ways you failed to anticipate. And to fill your days with anxiety is to miss on other awesome things that life can offer. As always, thanks for dropping by!
This is Up North Adventures Part II! Now you get to have a glimpse of La Union, Baler and Subic! It’s business that I came for the former and leisure for the other two. These places define nature tripping at its finest!
La Union
Since I didn’t exactly came to La Union as a tourist, there’s only a few interesting places that I can share with you. Aside from the famous spots, the drive along the country side is something you’d enjoy (especially when you’re in the passenger seat).
Urbiztondo Beach: Surf Capital of the North
Just a stone throw away from San Juan Surf Hotel, the shores of Urbiztondo Beach is host to the province’s most anticipated surfing festival. Too bad we weren’t there for that. The receptionist said it’s usually held in October.
Comfy beds and nice ambiance. Though we only get to stay the night, it’s still a wonderful experience.
Surfing Break happens every October. Urbiztondo beach is a haven for surfing professionals and enthusiasts!
Halo-Halo De Iloko
For a quick detour, we dropped by this infamous halo-halo place in San Fernando City – Halo-halo de Iloko. Halo-halo is a native dessert – a mixture of sweetened fruits, milk, and ice cream sitting on a pile of crushed ice. It’s the perfect fix during summer.
Halo-Halo de Iloko has been featured on a television show and highly commended by celebrities. The place exudes this tribal, rustic vibe but the food itself is served with an enormous tropic touch. The halo-halo is served in a coconut, complete with mini-umbrella on the side. It’s aesthetically pleasing, is all I can say. You be the judge of its taste. Nothing so spectacular in that aspect, IMHO.
It’s halo-halo in a coconut! Doesn’t it look very refreshing?
The place has that native, rustic vibe. You can find pieces inspired from the provinces up north.
Oh, it has nails for eyes!
Celebs Been Here, Apparently
Baler
Recently, there’s a clamor from the people of the South to go visit this place 274km from Manila. Baler’s popularity is on the rise. Check out the places that we’ve been:
Millennium Tree
Contrary to its name, this enormous tree is actually a parasite. Balete is a parasite that lives off of its host, and this one has been doing so for the last 600 years. With 60m in crown diameter and 65m in height, it’s the Biggest Balete Tree in Asia. You can go through the tree by going under and over it’s twisted branches and roots.
It’s a tree, right? A parasite, but yeah, still a tree!
So, you want to know more about the Biggest Balete Tree in Asia?
Diguisit Bay
The jutting rock formations and the irregular shoreline of Diguisit bay make it a sight to behold. This pebbly beach lies 13.9km from Sabang.
Yes, that’s a man with a black umbrella on the shore. I know! Isn’t the beach supposed to be a place for basking under the sun?
Those rocks appear rough and sharp, a stark contrast to the smooth, serene waters.
Mother Falls
If you’re up for a bit of hike, then you should go see Mother Falls. Vehicle parking area is a bit far from where the hike actually starts so bring all your essentials with you. There’s no “formal” accommodation here, so if you decide to bathe in the falls, you got to trek down and change in one of the local shops. The coconut fields on the slopes plus the challenging track along the river makes the trip worth it.
Mother Falls, Baler
In and Around Town
We also went around town to explore other interesting sites. The Hanging Bridge is a joy to jumped on. There’s a small museum here, featuring oil paintings, religious artifacts and treasured photos of Manuel and Aurora Quezon. You can see historical markers along some streets. And as in anywhere in the Philippines, if the Church is within sight, you’d be sure to find the town hall and the market close by.
This house is the picture of affluence during the early 20th century. It’s owned by Aurora Quezon.
In many provinces, up and down Luzon, this sight of clothes drying under the sun is ordinary. I’m just envious that in these parts, the river stays pristine.
Tranquil waters below, bright skies above and verdant hills and mountains all around! Too bad I didn’t get to cross all the way.
Dedicated to Aurora Queaon, Civic Leader and First Lady of the Philippines under the First Commonwealth
Manuel L. Quezon, Indomitable crusader of Philippine Independence
Historical Marker
Subic
I like the roads going to Central Luzon. They just seem to stretch on forever. And the silhouette of the mountain range in front of you just urge you to move onward.
Subic Bay
Clear skies, bright sun, hooded and distant mountains. Great place for picnic, is all I can say.
Ocean Adventure
Yep, as the name implies, this place highlights creatures from the ocean! So have a video of cute dolphins strutting their stuff to some hip dance craze!
That’s all for my tours up north and central Luzon. I may be able to travel to other provinces soon. If you want to recommend more interesting places, share it on the comments box below!
And if you’ll only acknowledge those facts, then self-love will be easy on you. Self-love is recognizing your strengths, your accomplishments. It’s affirming the things that went well in your life, no matter how big or small they are. But it’s also about recognizing your weaknesses and imperfections, that you deserve the chance to change and grow. 
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