Who to Give Your Heart to this Valentine’s Day
Has it been a long time since you gave much thought to February being the month for sweethearts? After fifty, Valentine’s Day can come and go quite quietly.
Maybe you’ll have dinner with your partner, there might even be flowers and candy involved, but the most special person in your life on February 14th (or any other day for that matter) and who you need to show big love to – is you!
Think about it. You are the person with whom you spent your entire life thus far, and the person with whom you will share the rest of your days. It’s high time for some self-love. It may be long overdue.
This Valentine’s Day, I challenge Us All to Give Ourselves Radical Self-Love.
Show yourself the love…in whatever form feels right.
It may be going for a haircut or a pedicure; or taking yourself out to the movies; or to the bookstore to treat yourself to a new book or a beautiful new journal to fill with dreams.
It might be taking time to sit with ourselves and consider what prevents us from loving ourselves more deeply, and how to break through those blocks.
Perhaps you have made mistakes (haven’t we all?) that you haven’t let go of yet. Loving yourself might come in the form of forgiveness. A special day of self-love and self-care when you mindfully decide to forgive yourself for past transgressions.
Spend some time on the morning of Valentine’s Day to think about yourself (sounds uncomfortable, right?) and what you need to do to feel that you can love yourself more profoundly.
Loving yourself is not selfish. It is where it all starts – the proverbial well from which we draw from in order to pour love on the other special people in our lives.
Breathe deeply and consider what you could do to show yourself love. Then do it. Treat yourself. Forgive yourself.
Celebrate the Flawed Yet Magnificent Creature That You Are
Take two minutes to write yourself a love note. I’m serious! Try it. Write down two things that you love about yourself, bring your mind to loving thoughts on what you’ve accomplished in the over half a century that you’ve live life.
Consider how many more experiences you would love to have in the coming months. Tell yourself you have value, and you are enough on this very day. Announce to yourself that you are releasing the expectations of perfection you hold for yourself from that day forward.
And if you love red roses, buy yourself one. Just one. To remind yourself all day that at the end of every day, regardless of how full or empty your life feels, you always have someone in your corner. You.
FAQs About Self-Love and Valentine’s Day
Here are some commonly asked questions about the importance of self-love on Valentine’s Day:
Why is self-love important on Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is generally associated with romantic love, but it’s crucial you remember self-love is the foundation for all healthy relationships. Celebrating and nurturing your own well-being on Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love starts from within.
How can practicing self-love benefit me on Valentine’s Day?
Practicing self-love on Valentine’s Day can boost your self-esteem, enhance your overall well-being, and contribute to a positive mindset. It helps you appreciate and care for yourself and will foster a sense of contentment and happiness.
What are some self-love activities I can engage in on Valentine’s Day?
Activities like pampering yourself with a spa day, enjoying your favorite hobbies, practicing mindfulness through meditation, or simply spending quality time alone doing things you love are excellent ways to take care of yourself on Valentine’s Day.
Isn’t Valentine’s Day all about celebrating with a partner?
While Valentine’s Day traditionally emphasizes romantic love, self-love forms the basis for any successful relationship. Taking care of yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically enhances your ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.
How can I overcome societal pressure to be in a relationship on Valentine’s Day?
Embracing self-love helps in overcoming societal pressures. Focus on the positives of being single, appreciate your independence, and use the day as an opportunity to celebrate the love you have for yourself.
Does practicing self-love mean I don’t want or need a romantic relationship?
Not at all. It doesn’t diminish the desire for a romantic relationship. Instead, it ensures that when you enter into a relationship, you bring a healthy and positive mindset, which contributes to the success of the partnership.
Can self-love improve my overall mental health?
Absolutely. How you feel about yourself is closely tied to mental health. Taking time for self-care, acknowledging your worth, and setting healthy boundaries can significantly contribute to improved mental well-being.
How can I start practicing self-love if I haven’t done it before?
Begin by acknowledging your strengths, setting realistic goals, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and prioritizing self-care. Gradually incorporating these practices into your routine can help build a foundation of self-love.
About the Author: Marlene Caraballo
Marlene Caraballo, an eternal optimist, is a designer by day, writer by night. She is Mom to three sons, and a pet parent to Nutley. Marlene, who lives in Orange County NY, blogs about life after 50 at cheers2chapter2.com/. She strives to share inspiration and truth for women over fifty who want to live their best life and share the journey. Contact her at marlene@cheers2chapter2.com.