Beginning in elementary school Valentines Day brought a special joy. My mother would take me shopping to buy a big bag of Valentine cards. I would buy a bag of lollipops and put one lollipop in each card to give to my classmates. As I got older I would put a miniature chocolate bar with the card. Everyone in my class would come home with lots of cards and way too many sweets. No one was left out.
Now that I am no longer in school, I hear from people who don't have someone in their life complain of being alone and expressing feelings of loneliness on Valentine.
Let this be the year whether you have someone special or not be your year for self-love. This is the best gift you can give to not only yourself but to everyone. When you take the time to shower yourself with love, you become your healthiest most radiant and loving you. Your love overflows so that everyone you come in contact receives the warmth.
Here are a few tips:
1. Begin each day looking in the mirror and greeting yourself with a smile. Have a loving comment to express to the person you are smiling at. Let that reflection know what you value about him or her and how grateful you are to be sharing the same body. If that doesn't wake you up, what can! Observe how you feel after you express whatever loving sentiments you declared. Think how can someone tell you how wonderful you are, if you can't tell yourself.
2. Each night after brushing your teeth and flossing, look in the mirror smile and rejoice over the many wonderful moments you experienced that day. Too often we overlook beautiful moments or take them for granted to focus on the negative. Stop that and begin celebrating and acknowledging everything that added to your day. The more you recognize, the more you have to recognize. You will also find your sleep is more peaceful.
3. Treat yourself to something you appreciate every day. I was taking a walk and happened to hear the birds chirping. It was such a treat. The same birds probably are there every day singing, but I had been too preoccupied to pay any attention. That was a treat. Open up your senses to appreciate the myriad of treats that are there for your pleasure.
4. Prepare a meal with tender loving care. Experiment with a new recipe. Decorate your table and sit down to enjoy your own company.
5. Take up a new activity, ie: salsa or tango lessons, tai chi, yoga, piano lessons or any instrument so that you can play a song for your pure pleasure. My cousin just had a birthday and she gifted herself with voice lessons. After her first lesson, she was exhilarated. Another friend started painting and his house is filled with beautiful expressions from his hand and heart.
Now for this Valentine write yourself a love letter. You are just as talented as Hallmark. Probably more so since you intimately know the person.
To be your own Valentine. That is a Gift!
Happy Valentine