Your boyfriend. Your girlfriend. Your husband. Your wife. We’ve all had this impression that the first person you think about in the morning and the last person you think about at night is the love of your life or your current crush, a person who you love more than anything in the world.

I was recently watching an episode of “One Tree Hill” titled “What Do You Go Home To” (season 5 episode 14) which opened with each characters’ first thoughts in the morning. Of course, there were some thoughts that were to be expected: ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, and child. But there was one that stood out to me more than the rest: Brooke Davis thought about herself first thing in the morning. At first that sounds totally crazy right? But what if it wasn’t?

Since seeing that episode I’ve been struggling with this idea that we are taught to love others before ourselves. And why is that? Now, I’m not advocating for being selfish, not at all. Rather, I’m advocating for a balance. To love yourself as much as you love other people. To be that first person you think about in the morning and the last person you think about at night.

So I decided to start a little experiment. It sounds a bit strange. And, to be honest, it feels very strange. But just hear me out, and then, if you’re willing, try it.

Every night, since seeing that episode, I lie in bed and think about the things I love about myself. My first night I was a bit modest, thinking, “I have nice hair” or “my eyes are a pretty color.” But since then I’ve gotten bolder with my thoughts. Instead, I think “I have awesome leg muscles” or “I’m a really good friend.” I’ve noticed since I started doing this a week ago, my confidence is skyrocketing. I’ve realized qualities about myself that I love that I’ve often overlooked--things that seem simple, like being a good friend, but actually make me pretty amazing.

I don’t want you to think this article is promoting everyone becoming egotistic, because it isn’t. Rather I want to encourage people to realize that loving yourself as fully as you would love a friend, a family member, or a significant other, is completely acceptable. And you should love yourself that much!

So even if it initially feels strange, or crazy, just try it. Tonight when you lay in bed think about all the things you love about yourself. Do this for a few weeks, and let me know how it goes. If you hate it and don’t notice any change, then so be it. But I have a feeling you might be surprised with all the truly amazing you think about yourself.