Give Yourself Some Love.

How do I love me?

Let me count the ways…

How many did you count? Yep, that’s what I thought. Not many.

It’s even more telling if you immediately went straight to the thought that loving oneself is selfish or narcissistic. If so, then giving yourself the love, kindness and compassion you (we) all need, nope, not need, but deserve, is probably a real challenge. For that, my friend, I am truly sorry.

It’s February, the month of love. Valentine’s Day reminds us to express our love for others. Come to think of it, all holidays are reminders to acknowledge others which implies (to me) that we’re all head down, full speed ahead never looking up or taking a breath so we have to be reminded. Does that hit close to home?

I was reflecting how we give our love to others willingly and in great abundance. We also want, need and expect others to send us love, but how do you love yourself?

Yes, of course we should love others. I wholeheartedly support that sentiment, but not to the detriment to yourself. If you have ever flown, you’ve heard the message – “secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.” That’s all I’m saying.

What does showing love for yourself look like? It’s different for each of us and we need different types of love in different situations.

Is loving yourself 

more self-care?

quitting a job that is soul-sucking or unfulfilling?

speaking up for yourself?

saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity?

saying ‘no’?

spending more time on what brings you joy?

quiet time?

more time with friends and family?

looking in the mirror with absolutely no judgment and saying “I love you.”?

Only you have the answer. I encourage you to take a moment and give yourself some love. If it just so happens to come with chocolate, so be it – no judgment.