The words “I love you” have great significance in our lives and in some cultures Valentine’s Day is a day devoted to this and many other of expressions of love. It is a beautiful tradition with one significant drawback – Valentine’s Day is focused entirely on our love for others.
Last year I suggested finding time to write “an old-fashioned, straight-from-the-heart, love-letter to yourself.” The response was fascinating. A number of women posted comments on this website but many more sent e-mails to me about their experience when they followed through on this suggestion.
None of the women I know put themselves at the top of their Valentine’s Day list or any other list of people who need their love and attention. So listen to that inner voice that is saying, “I could use some love and kindness” and ignore the one that is saying “There’s no time. So many people are depending on me.”
I lovingly suggest that you consider doing one of these things for YOU, or use them as thought-starters for something that would really make you smile this Valentine’s Day (or any day)!
– Call or e-mail a friend who makes you laugh and schedule a lunch or dinner sometime soon
– Make a playlist of songs that you find uplifting, then sing and dance while listening to it
– Compose an “I am amazing because…” list of all your wonderful attributes
– Schedule time to do 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.
– Take a luxurious bath with fragrant bath salts and soothing music
– Write a heartfelt love letter to yourself
Sending a big hug and wishing you a happy, “love yourself” Valentine’s Day and days of February! Remember that no one deserves your love and attention more than you.
Sharon
Hi Sharon –
What a great idea – to write a love letter to yourself, to honor yourself, to make time for yourself.
There is a wonderful meditation that I recommend to my exec coaching clients that is at the bottom of this post. It is about practicing loving-kindness toward ourselves and also self-compassion. Latest research shows that self-compassion improves our self-confidence and resilience.
http://www.transformleaders.tv/breathe-meditate-lead-ten-ways-mindfulness-practice-can-make-us-better-leaders/
Love your posts. Keep them coming.
Henna
Happy Valentine’s Day, Henna. Thanks very much for your comments and for the link to your insightful post. Just read it and it is excellent. I hope that you do something loving for yourself today (in addition to your morning meditation, which is certainly a gift).
Sending love and a hug,
Sharon
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
TO LOVE RAMONA.
I WISH I HAD A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR
LIKE ME.
MY MOTHER TAUGHT US TO TREAT
OTHERS THE WAY WE WANT TO BE TREATED.
WHEN I AM SAD I HELP OTHERS AND IT
BRINGS ME JOY AND LETS ME KNOW
HOW SMALL MY ISSUE REALLY IS.
THANK YOU SHARON FOR ALWAYS BRING
REALITY TO MY EXISTANCE.
BIG HUGS AND LAUGHTER
Oh, Ramona, everyone wishes they had a friend or neighbor like YOU! Thank you so much for your comment. I am sending you lots of love and a big Valentine’s Day hug!
Sharon
I am amazing … for realizing happiness is a choice and I chose to be happy.
Sending hugs and love to myself and others on this Valentine’s day.
Yes, Pauline, you are AMAZING! Happy Valentine’s Day! Hugs and love gratefully received and returned.
Sharon
You inspired me to write a letter to myself…and what a wonderful surprise. Even though most of my time is spent giving to others, I do take time to honor myself. This makes the love I share more potent.
Hugs with gratitude,
Wilma
Happy Valentine’s Day, Wilma! Thank you for your comment and for sharing your insight about how taking time to honor yourself also greatly benefits others.
Sending love and a very big hug,
Sharon
HAPPINESS. Today I went to an island in a Bavarian (Southern Germany) lake – the Fraueninsel – women’s island. It has a special female power. Not for nothing, there is based a women-monastery on this island since the year 800. It’s a tiny island you can surround in 15 minutes walk. On the track around the island we met a beautiful girl. She had created a circle of rose petals and asked us “You want happiness?” I said yes and she invited me to stand in the circle. I did so. Then she spread rose petals on my head. That’s why I twittered to you, Sharon, “Today I got married to happiness 🙂 The most beautiful summer solstice ever :-)”. I really felt like I got married to happiness in this circle on this special day of summer solstice. So , I wish everyone a marriage to happiness and warm greetings to everyone from Germany. http://www.heidi-sieber-zauberwelten.de; https://twitter.com/HugYourPeace; https://twitter.com/Heidi_Sieber
Thank you so very much for sharing this experience with us, Heidi. Getting “married to happiness” is a beautiful thought and one that makes my heart smile. I wish you continued joy and hope that you will continue to update us on your journey.
With a big hug across the miles,
Sharon