Whom Do You Love

We celebrate Valentine’s Day by telling others how much we love them, and it is a wonderful tradition. We want people to know how much they mean to us, how much we love and appreciate them. This year, in the flurry of red hearts, flowers and sweets, we have the opportunity to rethink this holiday that celebrates love. Here are two suggestions that may make this Valentine’s Day your best in years, and maybe even establish new traditions.

First, find time to write a Valentine letter to yourself. Yes, an old-fashioned, straight-from-the-heart, “love letter” to you! Please don’t laugh – this is a genuine suggestion. As you compose the letter, try not to filter what you write or type. No one but you will read it, so be effusive in expressing your love for who you are, for what you do, and for the unique qualities that make you the truly amazing person you are.

Second, make a Valentine’s Day date with yourself sometime over the next four weeks. Plan something that you love to do but for which you rarely (if ever) find time, even if it is just for an hour or two. Plan anything that would feel special to you – a walk in nature, reading a book while sipping a coffee or hot chocolate, listening to your favorite playlist all the way through, hiking, singing, dancing, drawing, baking – whatever you love to do. Make this Valentine “date” a high priority and stick to your commitment to do this special something just for YOU. You deserve it.

This year, as you send Valentine messages of love, affection and admiration to people in your life, put yourself at the top of the list.

Sending love, a hug and best wishes for a happy, loving Valentine’s Day!

The original version of this post appeared on this site in 2013 and when I re-read it last week, I decided to edit and repost it.

10 thoughts on “Whom Do You Love”

  1. Thanks very much for the reminder! I often forget that I need my love, too, even though it seems so obvious when I am reminded of it. I will write my letter tonight. Happy Valentine’s day to all!

    1. Thank you for your comment, K! Have fun with your Valentine’s letter to yourself, and allow yourself to be effusive in expressing your love and admiration for the amazing person you are.

      Sending love and a big hug,

      Sharon

  2. Why do we aways have to be reminded to love ourselves? Thank you, Sharon, for these two lovely suggestions. Perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s – by acknowledging our own love of self with the power of the written word and then manifesting that acknowledgment by carving out a few hours to do something that nurtures us.

    Sending a grateful Valentine’s hug,

    Kate

    1. Kate, thanks so much for your comment. I love your expression of self-care – “carving out a few hours to do something that nurtures us.” May we all nurture ourselves today and everyday.

      Your hug is gratefully received and returned with love,

      Sharon

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