In my household, loving yourself is a skill that we practice daily because, believe it or not, children often need to be taught that it’s important to love themselves. In fact, we all do!
It’s a great practice to start asking your family members to share a few things they love about themselves each day. You may find that it’s difficult at first. A lot of people, especially teens, are hesitant to express things they find to be positive about how they live, look, or feel.
You may never have had someone in your life to help you recognize and appreciate all of the beautiful things that make up YOU, and that’s why so many of us get shy, wiggly, or evasive when asked to speak to our own strengths, beauty, and uniqueness.
With that in mind, this Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to sharpen your self-love skills, and here’s how:
- Set aside some time to sit down quietly with pen and paper and open yourself up to your innermost thoughts and feelings. Let your words flow freely on the page. Whether you choose to write a traditional love letter or simply jot down a few words, the act of expressing love and appreciation for yourself is a powerful act of self-care.
- Think about all of the things that make you uniquely you. Reflect on your journey, your triumphs, your challenges, and everything in between.
- Express gratitude for the person you are today, acknowledging your strengths, your resilience, and your inherent worthiness.
- Consider the obstacles you’ve overcome, the moments of joy that have filled your heart, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
- Embrace your imperfections, knowing that they are a fundamental part of what makes you beautifully human.
- Set positive intentions for your mental health and well-being, committing to treat yourself with the love, kindness, and respect you deserve.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook our own accomplishments and strengths. We’re so often our own toughest critics, quick to point out our flaws while neglecting to celebrate our successes. But by taking the time to write a love letter to yourself, you’re actively shifting your focus from self-doubt to self-compassion.
And if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to connect with your special someone this Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to try out Do Tell! Couple’s Edition! You can redefine #couplesgoals with this positive tool designed to ignite meaningful conversations, intimacy, and personal growth in your relationship. If you need a little refresher on this go-to date night card game, you can check out our blog post here!
So go ahead, take a leap of faith and embrace the beauty of self-love and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Just as we express love and gratitude to others, it’s equally important to extend that same kindness and appreciation to ourselves. Because at the end of the day, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. And that, my friends, is truly worth celebrating.
