As the smell of fresh roses in every shade of red fills the air, and our Instagram feeds explode with dainty pink dresses and scrumptiously chocolate covered strawberries, we’re becoming increasingly more aware that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Maybe you’re filling with anticipation waiting to see what a certain someone in your life is going to do to make the day special. Or, perhaps the site of candy hearts and couply content makes you want to puke. Either way, I’d like to offer an alternative – be your own Valentine. You deserve a day of pampering, relaxation, and all the chocolate things, no matter what your relationship status is! You deserve to let more love into your life and, yes, it’s totally okay if the one extending that love to you is none other than yourself.
I’ve gathered up a few suggestions from a few pretty cool humans on how to set commercialism aside and show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day. And, I’m including my recommendation (this one is absolutely key) for you at the end!
What fires you up?
From Feuza Reis of Get Found with Fuse (SEO for Creatives)
“Something I learned at a workshop by Lara Casey was the concept of a ‘What Fires You Up” jar. You take pieces of paper and write what fires you up! So, examples could be: my kids’ laughter, travel, sushi, new candle, the ocean, etc. When you are feeling stressed and down, you pick one piece of paper from the jar and take time to do that one thing that fires you up. She pointed out that it can be simple, too, so let’s say salsa dancing is what fires you up but you don’t have to go out and do the dancing, you can just turn on the music and take a ten minute break. I love the sound of the ocean, for example, so I can find that sound on Youtube, put headphones in, and take a break.”
PS – Lara Casey is the mastermind behind the Powersheets I’m always raving about! 😉
Dive into a good book
From Devina Horvath of Print and Page Booksellers
“Slow down and take some time to read a book. Go to your local bookstore and spend time browsing. Pick an engaging story and make a “date” with your book. When it is time for your date, turn off your distractions (phone, tv, computer), light some candles, settle into a cozy chair, and allow yourself to get into the story without any nagging “to do” list items in the back of your brain. Schedule the time to read, and if you need, set a timer so you’re not always checking your watch. Daydream as much as you want after reading! Be sure to have a second and third date so you can finish your story.”
Gift yourself with self-compassion
From Peg Streep author of Daughter Detox: Recovering from an Unloving Mother and Reclaiming Your Life
“Shut off that self-critical voice that pounces on your every failing, rails against your physical imperfections, and keeps telling you that you’re not good enough. Instead, see yourself wholly with the same empathy that you’d extend to a friend and embrace the parts of you that are still works in progress, because you can’t love anyone truly until you’ve learned to love yourself. Shut that critical voice down and buy yourself some chocolate. Celebrate your flexibility by doing something new you’ve never dared to try. Reward yourself with your own version of a perfect day, whether that’s lying in bed and reading a book or binge watching television or getting a spa treatment.”
Go on a solo trip
From Mariellen Ward of Breathedreamgo
“Taking yourself on a trip is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. The gift of experience is richer than anything material you can buy as it will always be with you. Not only will you discover a new place when you travel alone, you will discover new places within yourself. And develop confidence you never knew possible.”
Remind yourself what love *really* is
From Tiffany Grace Munoro, Creative Director at Bride Savvy LLC
“On this day remind yourself that love is infinite! It cannot be limited to any specific time, place or thing. Remember that love transcends through every moment of our lives from a simple “hello” to even those heartfelt “goodbyes”. Most importantly, remember that love thrives through you; it is you, so cherish it this Valentine’s Day by making time to cherish yourself.”
Wait a day
From me 😉
You might be expecting something deep and empowering from me, but I think the Gems I quoted above have got those categories covered. So, while my tip for you is just as important, it’s a bit more casual and it’s something I treat myself to every year! The day after Valentine’s Day, ALL OF THE CHOCOLATE IS 50% OFF. You can get Hershey Bars for like 25 cents at Target. It’s magnificent. Be your own Valentine by indulging in some ridiculously low priced sweets and also maybe a yoga class before (or after) you eat all of it, because life is about balance, right!?