Befriend Yourself
“I owe you my little daily contribution; you shall be told what pleased me today in the writings of Hecato. It is these words: "What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself." That was indeed a great benefit, as such a person can never be alone. You may be sure that such a person is a friend to all mankind.”
—Seneca
Letters From A Stoic
Have you ever considered the importance of being your own friend?
In our daily hustle, we work on relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, but we often neglect the one with ourselves. Seneca, drawing on the wisdom of Hecato, reminds us that there's a milestone in progress that outshines many others: befriending oneself.
This isn't about self-indulgence or narcissism; it's about cultivating a kind, understanding, and supportive dialogue within.
Think about it—how do you talk to yourself when you make a mistake, or when you're feeling down? Would you speak to a friend in the same way?
Being your own friend means showing up for yourself, providing the same compassion and patience to yourself that you would offer to others.
And this isn't a passive act; it's an ongoing contribution to your daily life. When you start being a friend to yourself, you create a sense of internal companionship that translates to strength in solitude and resilience during tough times.
Can you imagine the freedom in never truly feeling alone?
Now, reflect on the ripple effect: if you're at peace with yourself, how will that affect your interactions with others?
A person who is their own good friend often radiates that friendship outward, becoming a beacon of warmth and solid friendship to the world.
Why not start today, and take a step towards making a lifelong friend in yourself?