Love Yourself this Valentine’s Day
nyone who knows me knows that Valentine’s Day is one of my F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E holidays! For me, Valentine’s Day has become a very important day to love myself and I want you to love yourself too!
When I was a teenager, Valentine’s Day had a negative feeling around it. If you didn’t have a significant other, you were deemed “alone”. If you were “alone” on Valentine’s Day, it would feel like a very lonely day and possibly very hopeless – maybe you might never find someone to love you.
For me – Valentine’s Day was never about a significant other. It was a time to reflect on everyone in my life that I loved including my parents, my grandparents, my brother and all of my friends. It was a time I would think about how lucky and grateful I was to have so much love in my life.
What I did not focus on (until now) was the love I had for myself. Now, I believe, this is the most important part of Valentine’s Day!
Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first – Carrie Bradshaw
Let’s be real. It can be hard to really love yourself. But these little practices can help!
Here are 7 ways you can start to love yourself.
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Create a love yourself ritual
My favourite ritual is running a bath, lighting candles and picking up my favourite book. Do something for yourself with intention. Go for a massage, get your nails done, or take a long walk; whatever it is, do it with love for yourself.
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Commit to loving yourself
Just like committing to love in a relationship with a significant other, you must commit to loving yourself. How would you treat someone you love? How would you talk to someone you love? Start treating and talking to yourself the same way!
Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love – Brene Brown
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Positive Affirmations
At first these might feel awkward or untrue. Your brain is wired with neurons. When you talk to yourself negatively for years, your neurons become wired with “negative talk”. You must talk to yourself with love and retrain those neurons. Pay attention and notice when you are being self-critical. Pick an affirmation that feels true to you. One of my favourites is “My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.” Repeat this affirmation (or one you like) to yourself regularly.
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Meditate
If you have never tried mindfulness meditation – try it! One of my favourite apps for beginners is calm.com. It leads you through an introduction to mindfulness meditation. Breathe in love and breathe out love!
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Journal
Journaling is a great way to tune into which emotions you are feeling that day. It is easy to go through life on autopilot. Take a minute and check in. If you are feeling angry, sad, upset, write about it. Journaling can be a great outlet.
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No More Comparisons
Stop comparing yourself to others! Everyone has a different journey. Start to love yourself by dropping the comparisons. This means no more comparing to that person with the “perfect life” on instagram. Reality is – things are never as they seem!
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Forgive Yourself
You are human. Humans make mistakes. Forgive yourself.
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Gratitude Practice
Start every morning with a gratitude practice. Before getting out of bed write down 3 things you are grateful for. Do the same before going to sleep. The days it feels like there is nothing to be grateful for are the most important days to do this. Be grateful that you woke up! Be grateful that you are here on this planet!
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