In the previous blog article, I asked if you felt worthy of self-love. Hopefully you’re putting into practice some of the exercises I suggested and you’re beginning to connect to yourself in a more loving way.
Today is Valentine’s Day and I’d like you to take self-love one step further. I invite you to be your own valentine. I know, I know–this is a day when you’re “suppose” to celebrate the great romantic love in your life–and you can do that as well, if you have one. But I’d like to invite you to celebrate self-love today. Because, after all, that’s where it truly begins.
How can you be kind to yourself today? If you don’t currently have a love interest, perhaps you can start by taking the day off from self-judgment and criticism. There are many reasons that you’re choosing “singlehood” right now and being on your own gives you the time to take the best care of yourself. Keep in mind that self-love and self-acceptance are very attractive, and when you’re ready, you’ll call in just the right partner.
If your love relationship is currently on the rocks or you’re just coming out of something that wasn’t working, perhaps you can spend some loving time with yourself today and journal about where you’re at and where you’ve been. Self-love demands self-connection and that means taking the time to explore your emotions, needs and thoughts.
What can you do for yourself today to feel special and loved? When was the last time you bought flowers for yourself or treated yourself to a message? If you’re a overeater or over-spender, see if you can find a non-food, non-shopping way to honor yourself today. When was the last time you took a candle-lit bubble bath? Or allowed yourself to dance to your favorite music? Or stayed up late watching a favorite movie or reading a great book?
There’s no need to let this Hallmark generated day make you blue. There’s a wonderful, incredible being in your life just waiting to be celebrated. All you need is love.
Wishing you a wonderful, self-loving Valentine’s Day today.
Posted by Julie M Simon, MA, MBA, MFT. If you have a question of topic you’d like to see addressed in this blog, please go to www.overeatingrecovery.com.