Every year as regularly as February follows January, Valentines’ day is celebrated. The holiday of love. A time for us to show someone special in our lives how much we care. We take the time to reflect on what that person means to us and then usually send a note or a small token to show how much they are loved and appreciated. It should also be a time for us to show a little love to ourselves. To remember that love is something we should all feel and to know how our own self love feels is very important.
The concept of love is abstract. It can mean so many different things. Some show love by showering someone with attention, others by providing space and room to grow. Some believe love is easy, while others are committed to it and convinced it’s hard work. Albeit embraced or feared, love is something we have all experienced in one way shape or form in our lives.
Most of us develop a concept of love at a very young age without ever really putting much thought into it. Throughout our lives, the definition may change but the concept still remains. Love in its’ simplest form is a part of our daily thoughts, behaviors and dialogue, ie “I would love dessert”. However like many four letter words this too can get thrown around hastily.
Have you ever stopped to think about how you express your love or even receive love? It is for certain your experience with the feeling has changed since your first introduction. Have you thought about what the idea of love means to you now? Have you taken the time to recognize the different relationships in your life and how in each one love is shown in a different way? But even before those relationships how about reflecting on the way you have been showing yourself a little love.
Your loved ones know what it feels like to have you in their lives. They feel your love, safety, laughter, support, kindness, stability, adventure the list can go on. You have the power to provide those same qualities for yourself. It is not just others that are worthy of your gifts and talents. You too can be the recipient of those special experiences. It just takes a little conscious effort. Make yourself a priority. Experience self-love, self-respect and care and learn what it feels like to fill your own well. To recognize that all we seek lies within is an amazing personal growth tool. So uncover it.
Take the time this February to find out what makes you tick, what you need, makes you happy and how you can show yourself a little love. Self-love is the greatest love of all. Without it, no one can truly feel the unconditional love that others genuinely have to share. So start small if you have to. Make a date with yourself. Carve out time to take a bubble bath, go for a run, read your favorite novel, dive into that hobby, turn the music up and dance. Let your soul inspire you, find the love within. After all this is a date you can count on this Valentine’s day.
