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| Write a love letter to yourself this Feb. 14th. |
As millions of people get ready to go in search of that perfect Valentine’s gift for their sweetie (or sweeties) it leaves the rest of us to reflect on singlehood. You may feel frustrated being single. You may be searching for a companion and settling for people who are not ideal mates.
But my advice for Valentine’s Day 2013 is to pause and remember there is something more important than having a romantic partner – you.
Single. It’s not a dirty word. Although some are petrified of saying the “S” word, looking at the situation from a different perspective, it is a state of empowerment and strength.
To be worthy of someone else’s love, you need to begin a love affair with yourself first. Romantic love is a nice to have, but self love is a must.
No one is going to love you if you don’t love yourself.
Your first love should always be you.
You come into this world with yourself and you’re going to be leaving this world together. So you are your first and last love. Only when we love ourselves fully and completely can we truly love another person. Loving ourselves with all our faults, quirks and frailties is important in accepting who we really are.
But remember, all those faults, quirks and frailties are accompanied by our special talents, gifts and unique perspectives. We all have wonderful things that make us special.
To show how much you are loved and appreciated, here are some Valentine’s activities you can do with yourself:
1. Don’t wait for someone to send you flowers. Send yourself a bouquet with a note, “Hey beautiful. Happy Valentine’s Day.” Or feel good about making someone else’s day by sending your best friend flowers.
2. Take yourself on a date. How about a movie no one else wants to see. Or take yourself out to a nice restaurant for dinner and drinks. Bring a magazine or a journal. You can write about the funny awkward looks people throw your way.
3. Make a list. Make a list of things you admire about yourself and post them where you can see them. It’s OK to brag about your best qualities. If you don’t brag, who will?
4. Exercise: Respect and take care of your body and it will treat you well for the rest of your life. Go the gym, go to the spa, go for a walk or dance around your room. Besides when you’re physically active, your body releases endorphins — our own natural feel good drug.
5. Write yourself a love letter. You are your first true love. Write it all down and state the wonderful qualities you possess.
If you’re single, don’t get frustrated or feel blue on Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day is strange occurrence on our calendar. It’s a grand marketing ploy developed to offer vendors of chocolates, flowers and jewelers a golden opportunity to pay their bills. It puts people under a lot of pressure to find something that tangibly illustrates their devotion to their significant other.
They can have their one big day of the year to prove their love. You have a full 365 days to celebrate yourself. Why limit that to one day of the year?
Original link for Inside Toronto: http://www.insidetoronto.com/blogs/post/1937934-health-how-do-i-love-me-let-me-count-the-ways-says-age-well/
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Michele Cauch is the executive director of SageHealth Network, an agency dedicated to promoting seniors’ sexual health and positive. Cauch holds a master’s degree in social work specializing in older adults and end-of-life care. Cauch has been featured on various programs and publications. Visit www.sagehealthnetwork.com, info@sagehealthnetwork.com or by calling 647-831-6630.
