10 steps to loving yourself that make you more lovable!
I have several friends and family members who are single. Some totally by choice and others by circumstances of life. They are all in various degrees of happiness about their aloneness. But even for the ones who prefer to be alone, Valentine’s Day can be emotionally tough with all of the advertising.
We view Valentine’s Day as a time for lovers and partners, so those that are not attached may feel left out. Actually, Valentine’s Day has a rather sordid past, dating back to Roman times, and not at all about love and caring.
Love begins with loving yourself, something that many struggle with and self-care is the ultimate proof of loving yourself. If you are quick to take care of others needs, but neglect your own, this is a perfect time to take stock of your own self-care deficits and fill in the gaps.
When you are blissfully happy by yourself, taking supreme care of all of your needs, a funny thing happens… someone just right for you walks into your life. I have seen this happen over and over. It happened to me and has happened to many others. The key is the self-care and being super happy alone.
So here are some things you can start doing right now. Many I did (and still do):
- Buy yourself flowers. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. I used to buy an inexpensive bouquet every week from the grocery store for $3.00-$5.00. Having fresh cut flowers on my table was my gift to myself.
- Cook delicious food for yourself. Try new recipes. It doesn’t matter that you’re cooking for one. Freeze the rest into individual meals for the nights you don’t feel like cooking. You’re worth cooking for!
- Schedule time for yourself every day. Even 15 minutes to do whatever fuels your soul is so important. Whether that is reading, sewing, woodworking or napping.
- Pamper yourself. Get a special haircut, manicure, facial or massage. You would find the money if your best friend really needed it, so be your best friend.
- Take a warm Epsom salt bath or long shower. Luxuriate in the warmth and pleasure of the water. No rushing.
- Savor a piece of quality dark chocolate without guilt. Dark chocolate is healthy.
- Spend 5 minutes (to start) each day meditating or in prayer. The rewards are immense.
- Begin a gratitude journal. Write down at least one thing that you are grateful for that day. Being grateful makes big mind shifts.
- Make an effort to connect or reconnect with positive friends. Remember, we become like the 5 people we spend the most time with.
- Smile often. Not only do we feel better when we smile, but it is contagious. We brighten other people’s days too.
Be kind and compassionate to yourself, be your own best friend, love yourself unconditionally and enjoy being alone. Smile, smile, smile. Buy yourself flowers and dark chocolate… because you are worth it!