Place your hand over your heart for a moment and ask yourself:
“What is one thing I can give myself today that I keep hoping someone else will give me?”
Sit with that question for a moment.
For me, the answer is love.
Growing up, my father wasn’t someone who showed a lot of physical affection. That wasn’t uncommon for many men of his generation. He loved me, but love was often shown through actions, responsibility, and providing—not always through words or touch.
As my father got older, something changed.
Whenever we departed from each other, he would give me a kiss on the cheek.
It was a simple gesture, but because it wasn’t something that happened often, it carried so much meaning.
That kiss was love beyond words. Love beyond time. It was a moment where I didn’t have to wonder. I just knew.
I knew I was loved.
I could feel it echo throughout my body—a reminder that I mattered, that I was seen, and that I was cherished.
That feeling stayed with me.
And today, I can give that love to myself.
I can place my hand over my heart and remember that kiss. I can offer myself the same kindness, acceptance, and love that I felt in that moment.
The love we receive from others can become the love we learn to give ourselves.
So I’ll ask again:
What is one thing you can give yourself today that you keep hoping someone else will give you?
-Dwight
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