For some, Valentine’s Day, in all its commercial glory, ends in the arms of their Prince Charming sipping champagne and eating chocolate-covered strawberries. For others, it ends looking like a member of the rock band KISS with mascara running down their face watching the Notebook for the umpteenth time, sitting among empty ice cream containers and scattered Reese Pieces wrappers. Whether you love this day or hate it, this Valentine’s Day, start a steamy new romance with…YOURSELF.
Some of us are so busy taking care of everyone else, we forget to take care of ourselves. Some of us spend so much time looking for approval from others, we’ve let them determine our worth. Some of us spend so much time in front of the mirror trying to figure out what needs to change, we can’t see how beautiful we are right this minute. If one or more of those sentences put a lump in your throat like it did mine, you might be guilty of not truly loving yourself. So, how do you start loving you?
Make yourself a priority. Have some “Me Time.” Reserve some time for something you’ve been wanting to do like take a yoga class or simply relax and do nothing. You don’t have to have that special someone to Netflix and chill. Pop some popcorn. Pour a drink and binge watch your favorite series – all by yourself. No fighting over the remote that way! Word to the wise: stay away from This Is Us….nobody has enough Kleenex in their house to binge watch that emotional roller coaster.
Say no. I know that word doesn’t exist in most of our vocabularies but you’ve got to learn to say it. You don’t have to run every bake sale, coach every ball team, and donate to every cause. If you want to do all those things, great— but if you’re reluctant running on fumes with too many irons in the fire, just say no. They’ll get over it. Whoever they are.
Talk to yourself. Tell yourself all the wonderful things about yourself. If you can’t think of anything fabulous to say, get some help from a scene out of the movie The Help and tell yourself “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” And BELIEVE IT!
Treat yourself. Get a manicure. You knew I’d start with that because y’all know how I feel about my nails. Buy yourself a tiny box of truffles. Send yourself some flowers. Take yourself out to lunch one day instead of eating chained to your desk in front of the computer like usual. Just do something special for yourself. Note to self: reread last month’s article about the importance of budgeting before “treating” one’s self.
Whether your significant other is the modern-day Prince Charming or just a body pillow you’ve affectionately named Bob, don’t shy away from the day. Love yourself this Valentine’s Day.