Fall in Love with Yourself. Give Yourself Compliments.

January 27, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Fall in love with yourself. Give yourself compliments. Self-love is important.” – Unknown

Fall in Love with Yourself: The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Have you ever noticed how we’re often kinder to strangers than we are to ourselves? We criticize our appearance in the mirror, doubt our abilities, and focus on our flaws while overlooking our strengths. But imagine treating yourself with the same warmth and appreciation you’d offer a dear friend. Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you genuinely fall in love with who you are, flaws and all, you create a foundation of inner strength that nothing external can shake.

Giving yourself compliments might feel awkward at first, like you’re speaking a foreign language. Start small: acknowledge when you handle a difficult situation well, appreciate your unique talents, or simply thank your body for carrying you through each day. These aren’t empty affirmations but recognition of your inherent worth. The voice in your head shapes your reality, so why not make it a voice that builds you up rather than tears you down? With practice, self-appreciation becomes as natural as breathing.

Self-love transforms how you move through the world. When you value yourself properly, you stop accepting scraps of affection and start requiring respect in all your relationships. You make choices aligned with your wellbeing rather than seeking external validation. The energy you once spent trying to prove your worth to others can now fuel your dreams and passions. Remember that you are the one constant companion in your life journey—the relationship you have with yourself determines the quality of every other connection.

The path to loving yourself isn’t always straight or easy. Some days you’ll slip back into old patterns of harsh self-judgment. That’s okay. Self-love isn’t a destination but a practice—one that grows stronger each time you choose compassion over criticism. In a world that profits from your self-doubt, choosing to value yourself becomes a revolutionary act. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for everything else in your life. Make it a love story worth telling.

Results Happen over Time, Not Overnight

January 27, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Results happen over time, not overnight. Work hard, stay consistent, and be patient.” – Unknown

The Path of Persistence

True transformation is a journey through seasons, not a lightning strike. We often admire the summit of someone’s achievement without witnessing their thousand footsteps up the mountain. What looks like “overnight success” to observers has almost always been years of dedicated effort, moments of doubt, and countless small adjustments. Remember that the oak tree doesn’t spring forth in its full majesty—it grows steadily, ring by ring, through sunshine and storm alike.

Your daily choices compound like interest in a sacred account of personal growth. Each workout that makes you slightly stronger, each page written toward your novel, each practice session that refines your craft—these aren’t isolated events but threads weaving the tapestry of your becoming. The magic isn’t in dramatic bursts of productivity but in showing up consistently when inspiration has gone quiet. On days when progress feels invisible, trust that beneath the surface, roots are still growing.

Patience isn’t passive waiting; it’s active faith in your process. In our culture of instant gratification, developing patience is itself a revolutionary act. It means honoring the natural rhythm of growth rather than forcing outcomes before their time. Consider how frustration often comes not from the work itself but from unrealistic timelines we impose. What if, instead of asking “Why isn’t this happening faster?” you asked “What is this moment teaching me that I couldn’t learn any other way?”

The beautiful paradox is that once you truly accept that meaningful change takes time, you free yourself to enjoy the journey. You notice small victories that would have passed unappreciated in a rush toward some imagined finish line. You develop resilience that no shortcut could have taught you. And when results do manifest—as they inevitably will through persistent effort—they’re not just achievements but testaments to who you’ve become in the process. Your success will have both substance and staying power because it grew organically, nourished by patience, hard work, and unwavering consistency.

Shout out to the Men in Touch with Their Emotions

January 26, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Shout out to the men in touch with their emotions who can be vulnerable and have the courage it takes to be open and express them.”

Celebrating Emotional Authenticity in Men

In a world that has historically celebrated stoicism in men, let’s take a moment to honor those brave souls who’ve chosen a different path. The men who allow themselves to feel deeply, who aren’t afraid to shed tears when moved, who can say “I’m hurting” instead of burying pain beneath layers of silence—these men are quietly revolutionizing what masculinity means. Their vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s one of the most profound forms of strength we can witness. When a man opens up about his fears, insecurities, or heartaches, he’s demonstrating a courage that many of us still struggle to embrace.

This emotional openness creates ripple effects far beyond the individual. Men who express their feelings build deeper connections with partners, raise children who understand the full spectrum of human emotion, and foster friendships based on authentic sharing rather than surface-level interactions. They’re dismantling generations of harmful conditioning one vulnerable conversation at a time. Think about it—how many problems in our relationships might be solved if we all felt safe enough to simply say what we’re really feeling without fear of judgment?

The journey toward emotional literacy isn’t easy for many men. Our culture bombards boys with messages about “manning up” from their earliest years, teaching them to equate emotional expression with weakness. That’s why it takes genuine bravery to unlearn these lessons—to stand in your truth when everything around you suggests you should hide it. For every man working to reconnect with his emotional self, know that this internal work represents one of life’s most worthwhile struggles. You’re reclaiming parts of your humanity that should never have been labeled off-limits.

If you’re a man reading this who’s still uncomfortable with emotional vulnerability, I invite you to start small. Maybe it’s telling a trusted friend when you’re having a rough day instead of saying “I’m fine.” Perhaps it’s journaling about feelings you’ve never put into words. The path to emotional freedom begins with tiny acts of courage that gradually expand your comfort zone. And for those already walking this path—thank you. Your willingness to be seen in your full humanity creates permission for others to do the same. In embracing your emotions, you’re not just healing yourself but helping heal our collective understanding of what it truly means to be human.

She Only Truly Feels Comfortable with You If She Shows You

January 23, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“She only truly feels comfortable with you if she shows you her silly side as well as her sexy side.” – Unknown

Embracing All Facets of Connection

When someone reveals both their silly and sexy sides to you, they’re offering something precious—complete authenticity. This dual unveiling indicates a profound level of trust that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Most of us wear different masks in different contexts, carefully controlling what aspects of ourselves we show to whom. The silly side—the one that makes strange noises, has ridiculous inside jokes, and doesn’t mind looking foolish—is often protected even more fiercely than our sensuality. When someone feels safe enough to let you witness both their playfulness and their passion, they’re essentially saying: “I trust you with my whole self.”

This balance between the playful and the passionate creates the foundation for genuine intimacy. Think about it—relationships that showcase only seriousness or only sexuality eventually feel one-dimensional. They lack the depth that comes from experiencing a person’s full emotional range. The most enduring connections are those where you can transition from deep conversation to uncontrollable laughter to tender moments, without feeling like you’re performing or holding back. These relationships breathe in a way that purely physical or purely intellectual connections cannot.

The willingness to be silly actually requires tremendous courage. Many of us fear being judged for our quirks, our strange enthusiasms, or our unguarded moments of childlike joy. We’ve been conditioned to maintain composure, to be “cool,” to keep our dignity intact. Yet there’s something profoundly freeing about being with someone who has seen you snort-laugh or dance ridiculously in your kitchen and still looks at you with desire. This acceptance creates a feedback loop of deepening trust—the more someone accepts your unfiltered self, the more you feel empowered to show them even more of who you truly are.

So if someone has blessed you with access to both their goofiness and their sensuality, recognize the gift you’ve been given. This person feels safe enough with you to drop the careful self-editing most of us maintain throughout our days. Honor this trust by receiving all parts of them with equal appreciation, never mocking what they share in vulnerability, and reciprocating by gradually revealing your own unfiltered self. The space between two people who can be both silly and sexy together is where real magic happens—where you’re free to be fully human together, embracing the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.

When People Assume You’ll Always Be There

January 21, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“When people assume you’ll always be there and start treating you carelessly, that’s when you need to cut them off.” – Unknown

When It’s Time to Walk Away

When people take your presence for granted and start treating you carelessly, that’s a clear signal it’s time to create some distance. This isn’t about revenge or punishment—it’s about protecting your energy and self-worth. We often feel guilty about stepping back from relationships, but remember that your time and emotional investment are precious resources. Just as you wouldn’t continue pouring water into a bucket with holes, you shouldn’t keep giving yourself to people who don’t value what you offer.

The hardest part is recognizing when this pattern has become established. Watch for signs like one-sided conversations, them reaching out only when they need something, or feeling drained after spending time together. Your body often knows before your mind does—that knot in your stomach when their name appears on your phone isn’t random. It’s your internal wisdom sending a message that something isn’t right in the relationship dynamic.

Creating boundaries doesn’t mean burning bridges. Sometimes a simple conversation can reset expectations, letting the other person know that you’ve noticed the imbalance. Say something like, “I care about our relationship, but lately I’ve been feeling taken for granted.” Their response will tell you everything—do they listen and adjust, or dismiss your feelings? Not everyone deserves the same level of access to you, and that’s okay.

Walking away creates space for better connections to enter your life. Nature abhors a vacuum, and this principle applies to relationships too. When you stop investing in people who drain you, you’ll suddenly find you have energy for new friendships and opportunities that align with your worth. Plus, sometimes the distance helps others realize what they’ve lost and how they’ve been treating you—though your decision shouldn’t depend on this outcome.

Ultimately, protecting your peace isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your growth. Like a gardener pruning back branches for the health of the whole plant, sometimes cutting ties allows both you and the other person to develop in healthier ways. The most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself, and sometimes loving yourself means walking away from people who’ve forgotten your value. Trust that you deserve people who treat your presence as a gift, not an obligation.

True Friends Never Leave You

January 20, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“True friends never leave you during hard times.” – Unknown

True Friends: The Anchors in Life’s Storms

When life knocks you down, true friends are the hands that help you back up. They don’t disappear when things get tough—they show up with coffee, tissues, or just sit with you in silence. These are the people who answer your 3 AM calls, who don’t judge your ugly crying, and who remind you that you’re not facing your battles alone. In my years of counseling people through their darkest moments, I’ve seen how powerful this simple truth is: genuine friendship isn’t fair-weather—it’s all-weather.

Look at your circle right now. Who stuck around when you lost your job? Who checked on you after that breakup that shattered your heart? Who still loved you when you weren’t very lovable? Those people—they’re your real tribe. The others were just passing through your life, teaching you the difference between convenience connections and soul connections. This lesson might hurt, but it’s one of life’s greatest gifts—showing you who truly deserves space in your heart.

Here’s the thing—hard times are like a friendship filter. They strain out the casual acquaintances and leave behind the gold. Instead of feeling bitter about those who walked away, feel grateful for the clarity. Not everyone is meant to stay in your story, and that’s okay. The ones who remain are showing you something profound about love—that it persists not because of perfect conditions but despite imperfect ones.

I’ve discovered in my own life that the friends who held me through my storms became family. There’s something sacred about the person who has seen you at your absolute worst and chose to love you anyway. They know your shadows and still see your light. These relationships aren’t just supportive—they’re transformative. They heal old wounds about abandonment and teach us what unconditional acceptance feels like. This kind of friendship doesn’t just change your bad days; it changes your life.

So nurture these precious connections. Send that text. Make that call. Show up when they need you. The strength of true friendship isn’t measured in years but in storms weathered together. And remember—being this kind of friend to others creates a beautiful ripple effect in the world. When you stand by someone during their darkness, you’re not just helping them survive it—you’re teaching them how to shine through it. In a world where so much is temporary, be the friend who stays. It might be the most meaningful thing you ever do.

Not Everyone Is Meant to Stay in Your Life

January 19, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Not everyone is meant to stay in your life. It may hurt to lose someone, but in the future, you’ll see the lesson they brought you.”

The Beautiful Art of Letting Go

Some people walk into our lives for a season, not a lifetime. When someone leaves—whether it’s a friend who drifted away, a relationship that ended, or even someone who hurt you deeply—it feels like a piece of your heart leaves with them. That empty space aches. We question what we did wrong or why things couldn’t have been different. But here’s the truth: not every person is meant to stay, and that’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s simply part of the natural rhythm of human connection.

The pain you feel when someone exits your life is real and valid. Don’t let anyone tell you to “just get over it” or that you’re overreacting. Your feelings matter. That relationship mattered. The depth of your hurt often reflects the depth of your capacity to love and connect. But here’s where the magic happens: within that pain lies the seed of something powerful—growth that couldn’t have happened any other way. The universe has this funny way of sending us exactly the teachers we need, even when those lessons come wrapped in heartbreak.

Think of these departures like changing seasons. Winter isn’t forever, though it might feel endless when you’re in it. The people who leave your life often make space for new connections that better match who you’re becoming. I’ve seen this pattern repeat countless times—someone loses a friend group that was holding them back, and suddenly they find people who celebrate their authentic self. A painful breakup leads to meeting a partner who loves them completely. These transitions aren’t coincidences; they’re redirections.

The wisdom these departed souls leave behind becomes part of your story. Maybe that ex taught you what boundaries look like. Perhaps that friend showed you what loyalty means—by its presence or absence. That difficult boss might have awakened your courage to stand up for yourself. Years from now, you’ll look back and think, “Ah, I see it now.” The lesson rarely makes sense in the moment, but time has a way of bringing clarity. Those who hurt you often teach you the most about what you truly deserve.

So hold your losses gently, friend. Feel what you need to feel. But know that these endings aren’t the universe punishing you—they’re clearing the path for what’s meant for you. The people who are supposed to walk alongside you for the long journey will stay without you having to chase them, convince them, or diminish yourself to keep them. Trust the process. Trust yourself. And someday, you’ll meet someone new and think, “Oh, this is why it never worked before.” Until then, be kind to your healing heart. It knows where it’s going.

How to Know When It’s Time to End Your Relationship

January 19, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

By Andy Charlson

What are the classic symptoms that reveal your relationship has reached the end?

Especially if you’ve been an item for a lengthy period, it can be difficult to reach the mutual conclusion that the time has come for you to go your separate ways. Prolonging this moment can only exacerbate any negative factors that have driven a wedge through your relationship. The longer this goes on, the greater the risk of any lingering positives breaking down into full-blown acrimony. It is always far better to be open about your issues. In order to do that, you must be able to recognize the tell-tale symptoms that indicate you’ve passed the point where your relationship can be salvaged.

Contempt

A healthy relationship is defined by the two parties having mutual respect. While you might fall out from time to time and disagree on a lot of subjects, at the end of the day they will always be prepared to compromise and satisfy your partner’s aspirations as best you can. This positive attitude can break down. If you feel nothing but contempt for one another this indicates your relationship is approaching the end of its tether. Negative emotions can be very difficult to reconcile. Even if you manage to retrieve the situation, it can degenerate again all-too-easily.

Arguments galore

We have all heard the description about someone being needlessly argumentative: they are the type of person who would argue that black is white. While this behaviour might be admirable in political debates, in a relationship it is far less healthy. If you find that your partner is constantly bickering with you and seeking arguments where they would have previously allowed banter to control your conversations, this is another classic symptom that, for whatever reason, they are less than content.

Infidelity

In an ideal world, relationships would always glide along on an even keel, partners lovingly gazing into one another’s eyes without noticing the gorgeous waiter/waitress flirting every time they bring a new dish to the table. But the human condition is far more complex than that. Regardless of how happy we might be in a relationship, infidelity is liable to rear its ugly head from time to time. Some people will be able to resist temptation; others will not.

There may be situations where one party has strayed and become involved with someone outside of the relationship. If this has been a one-off, then it is up to the spurned partner to decide whether or not they are willing to forgive and forget; although once trust has gone this can be a big ask. In some partnerships as soon as the guilty person has been admonished they may well find it more difficult to resist the urge to be unfaithful whenever this situation arises in future. Serial infidelity, the usage of a dating service or any other activity like this one is a clear indication that a relationship has already struck the rocks and it is merely waiting for the victim to finally pronounce its demise.

Secrets

The only secrets that should exist in any relationship are the ones concerning surprise birthday gifts or Christmas presents. When it comes to masking emotions this is something altogether more detrimental. If your partner is always telling lies about places they are going to or have been, then there is clearly a reason for them behaving in this way. You need to ask yourself the basic questions. Why are they not being truthful about their activities? Who are they actually with when you are not around?

It can be very tough to try to get to the bottom of all this when they are weaving an elaborate web of deceit. Also, for all that this individual might seem to have lost their integrity, there will still be part of you that is reluctant to stoop to their level. Would you really go as far as checking up on them, either by snooping through online communication, or in extreme cases, actually following them?

The key word here is trust. As soon as this has been prized out of the core of any relationship, then this is a classic symptom that the time has come to call it a day. There may well be plausible explanations for an errant partner’s behavior but in the majority of cases where secrecy is prevailing there will be clear reasons why the other party has strived to create this situation.

Sexual incompatibility

Another obvious symptom is incompatibility when it comes to physical intimacy. In a healthy relationship, levels of desire are often in-sync. This is a situation that occurs naturally and spontaneously. But when one individual finds their advances are continually being rejected for whatever reason, this can lead to extreme resentment. And the underlying question has to be what exactly has created this sudden barrier? Again, this could well be symptomatic that your relationship has reached its expiry date.