88 www. AspireMAG. net | February / March 2026
How a Self-Love Experiment Can Help You Become Your Own
Best Friend
BY SHANNON KAISER
** This article first appeared in the August / September 2017 issue of Aspire Magazine.
I HAVE WHAT I refer to as a guru. But he is also my life coach, adviser, and healer. The last time I met with him, he told me,“ You will find lasting love when you love yourself. Your only homework is to Love Yourself.” I felt like a helpless child watching as an adult dangled candy in front of me. The sweet thing I wanted so badly in my life was right there in front of me yet completely out of my reach. His words echoed in my mind:“ All you have to do is love yourself and you will have everything you want.”
Sigh.
I thought to myself,“ I am trying. I’ ve been trying. But when will it get easier?” You see, at the time I met with my guru, I was about to embark on an inward journey. I had already been focusing on knowing that me matters. But it was fleeting. Some days I felt great, I enjoyed my own company, and I liked who I was, but most days I felt unworthy, ugly, and off track in life.
88 www. AspireMAG. net | February / March 2026