I have always been a bit of a cynic when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I mean, it’s just a day made up by the card industry to make people feel bad about not being in a relationship, right? But this year, I’ve decided to change my perspective and use the day as an opportunity to celebrate self-love instead.
For me, self-love means taking the time to do things that make me happy. It means being forgiving of myself when I make mistakes and letting go of old stories that no longer serve me. Most importantly, it means living in the present moment and appreciating all that I have in this life. I don’t need a day to celebrate love because I celebrate it every day. I wake up each morning, give myself a big hug and thank the Divine Universe Source for my breath before my feet hit the floor. I do this because I know I am worthy of love. I tell myself that I am beautiful, strong, and capable of anything. And then I start my day with a smile on my face, because I know good things are coming my way.
I don’t need a special someone to buy me flowers or take me out to dinner only on one day a year because I can do those things for myself. And you know what? They taste even sweeter when they’re from me. Because when I treat myself with love and kindness, it shows me I am worth it. That’s the best feeling in the world.
I know what love really means. It means celebrating myself. It means loving myself. It means forgiving myself and it means releasing old stories so I can really live this life I am currently living in.
For too long, I have allowed myself to be defined by my past, by the things that have happened to me. But no more. This Valentine’s Day, I am setting myself free. I am releasing all of the old pain and hurt and resentment that I have been holding onto for far too long.
This is my day of self-love and self-care. This is a day for me to remember how strong and resilient I am. This is a day for me to celebrate my own heart – which has been through so much but still continues to beat with love and hope and courage.
Remember:
1. Being single on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to focus on self-love and self-care. Take the time to do things that make you happy, whether that means getting a massage, going for a hike, or indulging in your favorite food. You can also use the day to reflect on your past relationships and what you've learned from them.
2. If you're feeling cynical about love, try to remember that love comes in many different forms. It doesn't always have to be the romantic, fairy-tale kind of love. It can also be the love between friends, family members, or even pets. There are a multitude of different ways to show and receive love, so don't limit yourself to just one type.
3. Finally, if you're still holding onto pain from a past relationship, Valentine's Day can be a good day to let go of that hurt. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you may have made and forgive the other person as well. Then focus on the present and the future and look forward to all the wonderful things that are yet to come.
So, on this Valentine’s Day, instead of buying into the commercial hype, I will be taking care of myself in the best way possible – by giving myself the gift of freedom from my past.
Love, Joy and Grace
Kristin