Everyday I put effort into improving myself. I am always pursuing goals of personal betterment. I seek to make myself smarter, stronger, healthier, wiser, to use my time in more meaningful ways.

My drive to improve comes from a deep-rooted self-loathing. Writing these words is about the most open and honest I have ever been. I cannot remember a time I've ever liked myself, and I know I've never felt self-love. But I also wonder, do most people feel this way? Are most people fundamentally dissatisfied with themselves, even if it doesn't descend to self-hatred?

There's a test I've come up with: Look into a large mirror. Look into your own eyes as if they belonged to someone you've known your whole life. Now, can you say, with complete conviction, "I love you"?

I can't. Read more of this post