How about loving ourselves this Valentines Day?
How about we love ourselves?
As Valentine's Day approaches, the air is filled with sentimental cards and expressions of love and affection for others.
Among the flurry of romantic gestures (or not), flowers and heart-shaped chocolates, I would like to plant a seed that this day can also serve as a powerful reminder to cultivate love and care for ourselves.
This Valentine's Day, let's take part in a tiny act of rebellion. Embark on a journey of self-love and care, embracing the art of cherishing ourselves just as we cherish others.
Embracing Self-Love:
In a world that often prioritises the needs of others above our own, practising self-love can feel like a radical act of defiance.
Yet, it is precisely in nurturing ourselves that we can cultivate the strength and resilience needed to navigate life's challenges with grace and compassion.
Ironically, caring for ourselves also gives us the strength to help others.
Self-love begins with acknowledging our worthiness, recognising that we are deserving of love, kindness, and acceptance, just as we are.
It involves treating ourselves with the same tenderness and compassion that we extend to our loved ones, celebrating our strengths, and embracing our imperfections as part of what makes us beautifully human.
Cultivating Self-Care:
Self-care is an integral component of self-love, encompassing the practices and rituals that nourish our mind, body, and soul.
Self-care is about intentionally carving out moments of rest and rejuvenation amidst life's hustle and bustle. It's about listening to our bodies, tuning into our needs, and honouring the whispers of our hearts.
It’s also about moving well, eating well and nurturing the environment in which we live. (See the 100 Ways to Self Care here)
Practising Gratitude:
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can shift our perspective, fostering a deeper sense of connection, abundance, and contentment. By cultivating gratitude for ourselves and our experiences, we can cultivate a greater sense of self-love and appreciation for the richness of life.
Simply stating three to five things you are thankful for right in this very moment - is enough to begin to start a habit of noticing the good in life.
Embracing Imperfection:
Finally, let's remember that self-love is about embracing our humanity in all its messy, beautiful glory.
We are all works in progress, navigating the complexities of life and learning and growing along the way.
This Valentine’s Day, let's extend grace to ourselves when we stumble, practice self-compassion in times of struggle, and be gentle with ourselves in times of sorrow.
“For it is in embracing our imperfections that we find the freedom to love ourselves unconditionally, just as we are.”
Looking for a therapist near you? Helen offers online coaching anywhere in New Zealand.
Helen is a registered nurse specialising in mental health and life coach offering online consultations and therapy in New Zealand.