I’m writing this week’s blog on Valentine's Day. Tis the month of love! To say I’m a romantic is putting it mildly! I watch every Rom-com out there, read every Nora Robert-ish book out there, hearts are my favourite symbol, and I believe in destiny and soul mates. My hope is that everyone in their lifetime will experience 1 great love: even if only for a short time.
I’m sure my version of love is very “Hollywood.” I do understand that Hollywood’s version of love is not real, and absolutely not sustainable. Hey, I’ve been married for 30 years – haha! A love that lasts 30 years goes through many different stages. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns.
When I speak of my great “love affair” with love, I’m also referring to the love I witness between spouses, parents, friends, children, and the unconditional love that comes with pets and their owners. Love can also come in the form of passions - between an artist and their muse, a baker and their goods, a gardener and their garden. Creativity expressed in any modality is usually a great love affair between the creator and their creation! I love to see this! And, any individual who loves what they do for a living! It’s a privilege to witness this. Love truly comes in many different forms!
Here's the thing to remember for all the singles out there on Valentine’s struggling with being alone. You don’t need a partner to feel worthy, validated, or loved. It’s so important to love and accept ourselves unconditionally no matter what we may be going through. We must love and nurture ourselves before we can love another; you can’t give away what you don’t have!
There are many ways to engage in acts of self-love, here are just a few!
1) Exercise, healthy food, massage, bubble bath.
2) Explore your spirituality – it’s the foundation for self-love.
3) Start the day by telling yourself something that makes you smile.
4) Look in the mirror and send love to your body.
5) Avoid comparison always.
6) Focus on all that you have (we tend to focus on what we don’t have)
7) Turn off everything for 15 minutes and focus on what you’re doing – be mindful of every moment.
8) Surround yourself with a community you value – one that encourages and supports one another.
9) Practice affirmations, they are crucial for self-love.
10) Be grateful for everything you are.
Once we learn to love and accept ourselves, we won’t care what others think and we won’t let anybody into our lives that’s not worthy. (this is freedom)
There are other ways we can acknowledge ourselves in a kind and loving way: for facing fears, taking risks, for recognizing the need to rest, showing ourselves kindness, and for getting up everyday when life becomes challenging and all you want to do is stay in bed. These little recognitions you give to yourself will go a long way!
To all of you out there, I salute you. Wherever you are right now – you are enough!
Until next time…much love to all