Valentine’s day falls on 14th February every year and love it or hate it, it isn’t going away. For centuries it has been a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day and in some places a commercial holiday. In recent years it has been commercialised as a day romantically celebrated with the exchange of gifts, flowers, and chocolates.
Mind you, it hasn’t always been celebrated with flowers, chocolates, and romance. On 14th February 1929, Al Capone arranged for his gang to kill a group of men in Chicago during Prohibition, and this became known as the Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Different cultures around the world celebrate in different ways. In some parts of the world, Valentine’s Day is observed as a day of love and that love is for everyone. Celebrating love between friends and families with gifts to acknowledge kind acts of appreciation.
This type of celebration reminds us to be grateful for those around us and show how much we care, even if it’s making them a cup of tea or just acknowledging your gratitude for their existence.
But what about you? What about your love for yourself?
I hear you say -that’s selfish. It’s not selfish, it’s essential.
When you give yourself permission to take care of yourself, to put yourself first, you will live your life in a more positive manner.
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha
How can you love others if you can’t love yourself?
The Law of Attraction starts with us. We attract what we believe. We will be loved if we believe we are lovable.
So, what about self-love? What is it?
Firstly, to understand and experience self-love, you need to control and stop the negative thoughts that drain your energy and stop you moving forward in life. The more you allow negative thoughts to consume you, the stronger they become, blocking everything in your path.
You may recognise some of these negative actions and thoughts–
- Beating yourself up when you make even a small mistake
- Constantly apologising for who you are
- Reminding yourself about your flaws
- Engaging in self-destructive activities showing your lack of self-worth
- Not considering your needs as a priority
- Always finding reasons to talk yourself out of your dreams as if you are not worthy
- Clinging to people who do not have your best interests at heart
LIFE IS AN ONGOING TRANSFORMATION
YOU ARE UNIQUE – YOU ARE YOU
WHATEVER IS IN THE PAST, IS IN THE PAST
“See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.”
Dalai Lama
TODAY IS A NEW DAY – A NEW JOURNEY – YOUR NEW JOURNEY
Start your day with a smile and gratitude
When you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and smile. Be grateful that you are alive and think of some things you have in your life and thank your God or Universe. It’s hard to be negative and grateful at the same time, so let gratitude win the day.
Remind yourself about your dreams
Before you get caught up in the day, take a few minutes to remind yourself of what you want from your life, what your goals are and what steps you have taken on your journey. This is your journey to a successful, happy, and positive life, and each day and each little step takes you closer.
Feel great about yourself
Praise yourself for your achievements and feel good about who you are and the journey you are on.
Let go of any mistakes and forgive yourself
You are human. The past is in the past and you have learned from any mistakes. Those mistakes have strengthened you and helped you to become the better, stronger person you are today. Be grateful.
Create healthy habits
Not only are you creating a healthy mindset, but you are also reminding yourself that your body is a temple and what you consume, whether it be food or drink, must be beneficial for your health. A healthy diet contributes to your overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Be confident and strut your stuff
You are courageous, focused and every day is part of your happiness and self-love journey. Wear your confidence! Shine brightly and focus on yourself and living a great life – we only have one!
Remember to have fun
Socialise, break out from routine, laugh, dance, smile.
As the song says –
“Learning to love yourself, is the greatest love of all”
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY