sweet rescued piglet + kitten love
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
—Oscar Wilde
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are a few ways to practice being your very own valentine. No date or new dress needed.
1. Note what is working in your life right now. Take a moment to pen a list. Clean water, heat, clothing, good friend, partner, pet, income, shelter, health, energy, etc.
2. Go for a walk or bike ride. Take a yoga class. Move your body.
3. Stay hydrated. Tote your water bottle everywhere and strive for eight 8-oz glasses daily. Start your day with hot water and lemon to detoxify.
4. Get eight hours of sleep. Try earplugs, an eye mask, and soft sheets in a cool room.
5. Go light on processed foods. I know, it’s Girl Scout cookie season, but seek out fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. And then savor a Thin Mint, or two!
6. Create space. When we’re scheduled from sun up past sun down even with things we love, it takes a toll. Interject moments of unscheduled time to daydream, nap, be spontaneous, and play.
7. Use apps like Headspace, Calm, and Mindfulness to track your meditation practice. Sit for 10 minutes and do nothing. Yes, nothing. Watch this Ted Talk for inspiration.
8. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Pretty eyes, kind heart, sense of humor, organized, etc.
This Sunday, do something sweet just for you. Get a mani. Dress up and take yourself out to tea. Write yourself a love letter. Read a book cover to cover. Stay in bed. Sip something yummy—hot cocoa with vegan marshmallows, a cuppa tea, bubbly. Treat yourself to brunch. Go for a stroll with no plan. Buy yourself flowers. Savor dark chocolate.
Poet Audre Lorde said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Be your own valentine this holiday. Let this be a lifelong romance like no other. Bisous. x
