Personally, I can’t think of the month of February without thinking about the holiday that’s plopped right into the middle of it: Valentine’s Day. I won’t say it’s a polarizing holiday because that feels too extreme, but I will say that people either love it or they hate it. Whichever camp you fall into here is my advice to making it through the day: prioritize loving yourself!
I’m not the kind of person who believes that Valentine’s Day was created extremely intelligent marketing groups for chocolate and flower companies, I actually really enjoy Valentine’s day. I believe that Valentine’s Day is another reminder to express your feelings of love and gratitude to those around you.
And I don’t just mean a significant other.
I’m also not about to slam anyone who cannot wait for their plans with their significant other on V-day. I believe that often times we get caught up into the spectacle of this being a day for extremes with dates, gifts, and of course wine.
Whether you are single, in a relationship, in relationships, it’s complicated, whatever; just know that Valentine’s Day should be about loving yourself as much as it is about loving those around you.
Sometimes in a relationship, we place the burden of loving ourselves on our partner. Giving them the option to determine our self-worth. When in a relationship, it is equally important to build that bank of self-love so that you have more than enough to distribute to everyone else in your life.
If you are single, maybe you already know the importance of self-love and I’m preaching to the choir, but hey! Valentine’s Day is as much for you as it is for anybody else out there. So, don’t hate on the day, but adjust your mission to focus on yourself and allow yourself to enjoy a day full of the best kind of love!
Not that I’m new to the game of self-love, but it’s been awhile since I really focused and asked, “What are some things I can do to get that self-love flowing?” An article written by Alexis Meads, a professional dating coach, for HuffPost.com outlines some ways to begin practicing self-love.
- Clean your house or your workspace
- Organize your workspace
- Take time for R&R
- Start the day with two minutes of meditation
- Journal each night before bed
- Wear red lipstick and heels just because it’s Tuesday
- Compliment someone else today
- Buy yourself roses on Valentine’s day
- Stand up straight and tall
- Call your parents and tell them you love them
These are only a few and thankfully the list goes on, but these are things we can start doing, or being considerate of, every day. Being mindful of the possibilities and open to trying different things for self-care is half of the battle.
Whether you have a significant other you plan to spend Valentine’s day with, or you’re planning an awesome girls night, or maybe just allowing yourself some deserved and necessary alone time, remember to be kind to yourself on this day and on every day; but especially on this day.
What will I be doing this V-day you ask, that’s a secret I’ll never tell – XOXO
Just kidding! I’m going to call everyone I know to tell them I love them!
Celebrate yourself this V-day ladies, we will be!
