By Patrick Robinson

How do we measure ourselves?

As you look back on your life, regardless of your age or stage, how do you measure it?

Do you measure it by the number of years? We all know people who seem to either always have a youthful outlook or seen another way, never seem to be able to grow up.

How about accomplishments? Whatever level of schooling you’ve gone through, is that how you measure yourself?

Is it your weight or height or miles you can walk or run? Is it the amount of weight you can lift? or number of reps you can do? Is the number of flights of stairs you can climb?

When you were a kid it was how long you can hold your breath or how tall you were.

How about the number of children you’ve had or jobs you’ve had, or hours you’ve worked?

For many people it’s the number of toys they have bought, or the amount of money they earn.

But those are all almost meaningless if you take a longer view. 

I’m going to suggest that the number of people who you love, and who love you, is a pretty good measurement. That measure is almost entirely up to you and how you express yourself and how you treat other people. It’s how you choose to react to whatever they may do, or behave that shapes your own attitude and emotions later.

All available evidence suggests that love is what endures, even past death.

If you think this is a cliche and tired old idea, I’m going to disagree. 

There’s a clear reason that so many songs, plays, movies, stories and more have been written about it in all its forms. I think we all innately understand that is NOT about US and our own needs, our selfish purposes, or our ego driven drives. 

It IS about feeling that flow of truth from somewhere beyond ourselves, that we channel to another person. When your ego dissolves and they are what matters. 

Unconditional love has to start with self acceptance, even if that is difficult. 

So the proportion of love you feel for yourself determines the capacity you have for others. 

If you have been there, or felt that, or understand it, that’s the only measurement you need.