I was recently listening to a discussion on racism and the reasons for it. The number one reason given was fear: Fear of the unknown; Fear of losing power; Fear of losing what little one has.

While I can certainly agree with all of these statements, I would like to add another to the mix: Fear that I am not good enough. In my explorations of Self-Love, I discovered and strongly believe many of us are walking around doing everything we can to mask our deep seeded feeling that we are not good enough –that somehow we are lacking or not made quite right. Now many would never admit to this, but that does not mean it is not true.

Now, what happens when you move through the world believing deep down that you are not good enough? You look for something to lessen the toxicity and pain of this belief.   You desperately look outside of yourself for proof that you are good enough. And the quickest way your ego is going to fill that need is by rationalizing that at least you are better than fill in the blank.

There is no quicker way to soothe feelings of inferiority than to find someone or something that you can be superior to. This ego’s answer to what ails us is used in all sorts of ways to give us temporary relief from the lie we are carrying and living out daily. And temporary it is for to alleviate our pain we must constantly look and reinforce what makes us better than another.

I believe if we stop looking outside of ourselves for proof that we are good enough and look within instead, we will discover the truth that resides in our hearts. If each one of us will do the inner work to remove the lies and barriers around our hearts, we will discover that not only are we good enough but, we are exactly what the world needs. And when we know this to be true there is no longer a need to feel superior to anyone.

Because once you know, really know, that you are more than good enough and that your presence on the planet is needed (or you wouldn’t be here), you understand that this truth holds true for every single person alive.

And the need to feel superior is replaced with a desire to be of service and help others also to know and live this truth.

I believe that is the power of self-love.

Until next time be the light the world needs and stay in love for all.

Joffre McClung is the author of two books  The Heart of the Matter: A Workbook and Guide to Finding Your Way Back to Self-Love  (“Powerful insights…life-changing” FOREWORD CLARION  ” A virtual hug…enriching” BLUEINK REVIEWS, “enlightening self-discovery process”  KIRKUS REVIEWS and  How Learning to Say Goodbye Taught Me How to Live ( “A thoughtful think piece.” Kirkus  Reviews )