Loving Yourself On Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s not even valentine’s day yet but we’re already seeing pink and red Valentine’s day stuff at every store we go to.

Is there any day that serves to remind single people just how single they are quite like Valentine’s Day?

The answer is no. There absolutely is not.

While “Galentine’s Day” and Singles Awareness Day are all fine and good, there’s a lot of unnecessary shame surrounding being single on Valentine’s Day.

Well, I’m here to let you know Valentine’s Day isn’t just about receiving a dozen roses and calling it a day.

It can be scary to do hard things by yourself, but it can also be really empowering. Whether you’ve never been on an airplane alone, gone to a museum solo, or slept in your house without your roomies — sometimes being brave can feel freaking awesome. You’ll learn new things about yourself, and get to experience so much. Valentine’s Day is also about loving yourself. And in case you’re struggling with the whole self-love thing,

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Practice meditation and yoga

There is no better way to say “I love you” than investing time in listening to yourself, getting to know who you really are, and learning what truly brings you happiness. Yoga and meditation both offer us a way to do these things.

Take yourself on a date

If you’re open to spending a little money this Valentine’s Day, here’s what we recommend: Think of what your perfect date this would be — where you would go, what you would do, what you would eat, etc., and then do it yourself! The beauty of taking yourself on a date is that you get to do EXACTLY what you enjoy.

Cook a fabulous meal for yourself

Cooking for one, when that “one” is yourself, is something that many people struggle to find the motivation to do. When we think about making a meal for ourselves, we often think, “Why put so much time and energy into cooking when it’s only for me?” And this is a problem. When we think of ourselves as “only me,” we are diminishing our self-worth. Here’s the thing: You are worth it! This Valentine’s Day, practice loving yourself by cooking a very healthy and delicious meal, and then enjoying every bite.

Avoid perfectionism

Have you been reading this list and trying to plan the “perfect me date”? Hopefully you’re not missing out on all the fun by stressing about it. There’s no need to put undue pressure on yourself!

Perfectionism can be a valued commodity in the workplace. It shouldn’t carry over to your personal life, or to how you measure your own success. Self-proclaimed perfectionist are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and report lower self-esteem than those that aren’t.

Feel free to refer back to item 7, and forgive yourself for your perceived shortcomings. Chances are, you’re more successful and effective than you give yourself credit for.

This day is about doing something for you, but life happens sometimes. If you make a plan and it doesn’t go exactly how you’d imagined, roll with it! You’ll love yourself even more for it.

Do things that make you feel good (singing, dancing, etc…)

All of the suggestions on this list ultimately lead to one goal: taking action to love yourself. Say none of the ideas above struck your fancy – then do your own thing!

If you look forward to going dancing or singing on the weekend, or already scheduled a nice bubble bath and a good book, don’t let us derail your plans. The whole concept is to practice self love on a day you might not feel particularly special.

Finally, remind yourself that Valentine’s Day is just a day. You don’t need an excuse to love yourself first, but a national holiday is just as good a reason as any other.

Here are my favorite quotes about loving yourself.

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…and the even wiser words of Carrie Bradshaw.

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Valentine’s Day is often about loving others, but this year, let’s make it about loving ourselves.

Sincerley, Curlyhairgurlwithablog

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