Because I love myself, I want to be a better person.  I take pride in the things I can do well.  And, I want to improve myself so I'll do even better.  I take the time necessary to discipline myself so I will become better in the ways I want to become better.

Because I love me, I think I am right about most everything.  When someone tells me I'm wrong, I take a look at myself.  "Myself," I say, "are you or are you not right?"  If I've been wrong, I admit it to myself (and to others).  Then I try to be right again by changing my ways.  When I am convinced that I am not wrong, I stick up for me.

I clothe my body and keep it warm.  I want others to think I look nice, so I try to dress pleasingly.

Because I love me, I provide for my body's needs.  I feed me when I am hungry.  My body needs nourishment if it is to remain alive and well.  I give it what it needs.

Because I love me, I don't gossip about me.  I try to show others my best side.  I put me in the best light in front of others.  And, when I do tell others about my bad qualities, or about some "goof" I have made, I only tell those who I am certain will understand, forgive and continue to accept me.  With other people, I "dummy up" - I only tell the good things about me because I know they will use the bad things to hurt me.

Because I love me, I seek to expose myself to pleasant things.  I avoid feelings that are disagreeable.  I hate burnt toast and sour milk!

Because I love me, I often wonder why other people hurt me so easily.  I wonder how they can pass me by without showing compassion ~ without helping me.  I wonder how they can ignore me when I am reaching out to them.

YES, I love me very much!  I'll admit it, it's true!  Should I deny it?  And what is so bad about that?  I show my love for me every moment, in every action.

And, while I am counting the ways in which I love me, I am overwhelmed by Jesus' command ...