Although I’ve journaled religiously for years, I only recently discovered the joy of self-love letters. When I find myself particularly stressed and disconnected, or if I’m wallowing in uncertainty and self-doubt, composing love letters to myself helps rekindle feelings of hope and adoration. Whether or not you plan on celebrating with a significant other this Valentine’s Day, I strongly recommend setting aside thirty minutes to compose yourself a love letter! Through honoring your emotions and highlighting your inner magic, the self-love letter can act as the ultimate Valentine’s gift: a celebration of you. ♡
Some tips for writing the most tender, semimetal self-love letter:
- Set the mood Before you sit down to write your letter, dedicate some time to crafting the perfect atmosphere for self-connection. For me this looks like lighting a candle, brewing a cup of tea, and queuing an instrumental playlist. Think about things that bring you joy and amplify your intentions. Maybe you own a favorite sweater you can write in. Maybe you feel most grounded outside. Maybe you have a favorite ink color. Whether its wearing comfy clothing, connecting with nature, or honoring your aesthetic preferences, listen to your inner voice and create a writing environment that speaks to you.
- Make a list of things you love about yourself To inspire your letter, try jotting down a few things you love about yourself. Maybe you feel deeply, listen authentically, or react intuitively. Maybe you pursue your dreams passionately or express yourself creatively. Maybe you love the way you dress or how your face glows in sunlight. Trust whatever comes to mind and know that there is no wrong way to love yourself!
- Let the feelings flow Once you’ve set the mood and brainstormed some points for positive reflection, sit down and let your feelings flow! If you find yourself stuck, try writing in the third person. Imagine you are addressing a loved one, someone you cherish, and you want them to know how precious they are. Just like the people you love, you yourself are infinitely complex and beautiful. You deserve the comfort of loving words and the joy of tender expression. ♡
♡ Sample Love Letter I Wrote to Myself ♡
Dear Chandler,
I love you fiercely and unconditionally, in a way that transcends time and space. Imagine: what if there are no shoulds in life? What if there is infinite potential in each moment, and the act of tuning in is productive? You have been and will always be enough ♡ Nothing is set in stone, nothing is “supposed to be.” You can lean on others, be raw, authentic, and vulnerable; at the same time, you can serve as a constant reminder of love in your own life. May this love you have for yourself, and the actions you take to protect that love, provide a source of comfort and inspiration. No one will ever know or see your heart the way you do. No one will understand the streams and forests of your soul, the waterfalls and pine groves, with the same intensity that your heart will. This does not mean you should refrain from translating your inner world, from opening your heart and soul to others in the ways that you know how. Again, there are no shoulds, and you deserve the richness and joy of human connection. I encourage you to make your heart known to others and to never take connections for granted. Just remember not to put yourself second or silence your intuition in the process.
With all of our heart,
Chandler ♡