FebrYOUary

 

     February. It’s the second month of the year and one that is devoted to love. 

 

January was all about new resolutions and fresh starts. Whether it was to eat 

 

healthier, to spend more time with family, or to pick up a new hobby, the first month 

 

of the year is devoted to bettering yourself. While this a great thing, it often makes 

 

us analyze our shortcomings and failures especially if we don’t lose those 5 pounds 

 

the first week of the New Year. Depending on how you view resolutions, it can be 

 

either a positive or negative contribution to your self-esteem. However, it’s a new 

 

month and one that is filled with L.O.V.E. 

 

     I’m not talking about romantic movies, boxes of chocolate, and big stuffed bears. 

 

I’m not referring to your significant other who completes you (If this is the case 

 

though, good for you! Celebrate this month of love together.) I’m not singling out the 

 

14th of February filled with red, pink, and purple hearts. 

 

      No, instead I’m talking about the entire month of February and about celebrating 

 

the love you have for yourself. Often times, we underestimate ourselves and become 

 

our own worst critics. We find faults, weaknesses, and imperfections that make us 

 

question, doubt, and discourage ourselves. It’s extremely frustrating because in the 

 

franticness of life we often forget to love ourselves. We let others define us and tear 

 

us down. We start to live to please others. 

 

      However, in this month of love I think we should focus on getting to know 

 

ourselves and learning to love who we are. Make this month about yourself because 

 

oftentimes it is hard to love someone else, if you don’t first love yourself. 

 

 

I’m sorry to sound cliché, but no one has the same talents as you do. Sometimes, we 

 

hide parts of ourselves in fear that we will be accused of bragging or being full of 

 

ourselves. That is just wrong! We are all amazing people, and we deserve a chance 

 

to celebrate ourselves and to celebrate what we can do. Human beings are 

 

incredible, and we can do so much. So, this February focus on activities that you 

 

enjoy and in which you succeed. Celebrate yourself!

 

 

 

     Those heart-shaped candies and fluffy teddy bears do not need to be restricted to 

 

cutesy couples. There is no shame in buying a little something for ourselves every 

 

once and awhile. If you would enjoy a manicure or pedicure, treat yourself to one or 

 

both! Do something this month for yourself just for the heck of it. Pamper yourself in 

 

celebration of everything that you have accomplished in life thus far. 

 

 

     Whether its other people in your life or your own worst thoughts, focus this 

 

month on removing any and all negativity from your life. Negativity can be one of 

 

the most draining things out there. You deserve to so much better. It’s hard to focus 

 

on all the good things life has to offer when you are surrounding yourself with 

 

negativity. Once you remove these things, you’ll make room for better opportunities 

 

and adventures that will shape you into your best self. 

 

 

     Sometimes you need to put yourself first and be a little selfish. Focus some energy 

 

into “you time.” Read a book you’ve been meaning to, rewatch your favorite movie, 

 

go take a workout class, or spend a day shopping. Get to know yourself, and the best 

 

way to do so it spending some quality time alone. With all the distractions in life 

 

(and amongst all the college work), it can be easy to lose sight of yourself. College is 

 

a time though to focus on yourself and to spend time learning about yourself. It’s the 

 

best time to do so, and you will get so much more out of college if you focus your 

 

energy on things you can learn outside the classroom. 

 

I hope you use February as a time to focus on yourself and to love who you are. It’s a 

 

daily challenge but one that deserves your time and attention.