Feeling loved takes different forms like acceptance, approval, and success. We want desperately to feel good about ourselves. We especially want that special someone to say "You are such an amazing woman that I can't imagine living without you."

I know I've felt that way. I've also unknowingly absorbed the messages of our advertising culture that basically tell us to buy this, wear that, and look this way to get the love you want. That all the attraction is on the OUTSIDE.

The truth is, the real stuff, the best part, is all on the INSIDE.

Loving yourself means not looking to other people or things to do the job. It means filling up your "love bucket" by spending time on you - be it taking a longer coffee break, splurging on a massage, reading a book, or having a fun conversation with a friend.

Our internal good girl might nag us by saying "You should take care of others first before taking care of yourself." Well, again, the good girl isn't quite right. She obviously hasn't been on a plane lately, either. She hasn't heard the wisdom of the airplane safety message: "In case of loss of cabin air pressure, put your mask on first before helping others." By loving yourself first you are best equipped to love and help others. (I swear that safety message must have been written by a Bodacious Woman! )

So, ask yourself "Who you do love?" (in a George Thorogood and the Destroyers kinda way). Are you the first person who comes to mind? If not, perhaps it's time to make some internal adjustment. By loving yourself you give yourself and others the biggest gift possible. Now, that's bodacious!

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