I have always been a goal-oriented person. I find something I am passionate about, and if I love it, I really love it. Recently I have become obsessed with the idea of becoming the most successful version of myself in all aspects of life. This Valentine’s Day, I got myself a gift. It was a book filled with the inspirational story of a woman who built her own business and brand from the ground up. She is now incredibly successful, and this mindset and life vision of going all in, creating my personal brand and forging my own way is something that I think about constantly. I have been consuming inspirational podcasts by women entrepreneurs, Instagram accounts of women CEO’s, and books about their journeys constantly. I like to say that my favorite emotion is feeling inspired. And although I thrive off of this feeling, adding working on your passion, side hustle, or anything else to your daily routine is daunting. It can feel like you already have enough, or too many, roles to fill. I am a college student, friend, sister, daughter, niece, intern applicant, blogger and countless other things. Despite having to juggle all of these roles, I have started to get the hang of it and be able to pursue the “extra” things that make me happy. And it is all because of something you have heard a thousand times before, from your mom, your therapist, and the tag on your tea bag: self care is key.
Although I had always known this in the back of my mind and did my best to practice self care and love, I don’t think I realized it’s importance until I found it harder to reach. As a college student, as I am sure many other students can relate, the traditional forms of self care are harder to achieve. The typical face mask and movie night? Not so simple. Your roommate will be terrified when they walk in to see your face covered in some green concoction from Lush, and you have to wear those headphones which don’t quite fit right because you don’t want to disturb your roommate or hallmates. This conundrum was one of the things that hit me the hardest about the transition into college life; how was I supposed to take care of myself when I didn’t even have ownership of my own room, and my days were filled with hours upon hours of forced interaction with strangers? Don’t get me wrong, I will always be grateful for the first few weeks of school. I made my best friends during that time. But that doesn’t change the fact that it perpetuated the constant cycle of emotional exhaustion I fell into.
Although I have only been at school for a semester (and a quarter) I have come to fully appreciate the benefits of self care for my success in all realms of life. This month, in the season of conversation hearts and lifesize teddy bears, I invite you to realize that the most important relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself. It is in this relationship that all others are built. I personally found different ways of having me-time. My common room is often empty, and is a great place to talk on the phone loudly to my friends at home or watch more Netflix. Although face masks now induce more stress than relaxation in me due to my anxiety over scaring anyone who enters the room, I have turned to adding more to my skincare routine. The gym has become my sanctuary, a place where only the world created by your headphones matters. So think outside the box. Wake up early to have alone time. Treat yourself. You deserve it. Not only will self care help you today, at this moment, but it will allow you to be relaxed and able to tackle anything that comes your way.
Here’s to loving yourself this Valentine’s Day.
XOXO, Bella
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