Be Your Own Valentine


Valentine's Day is overrated. There, I said it, but once again this loved-up day has been bestowed upon us, where nothing but Valentine's Day related things flood our news feeds. Yes, to the disdain of many we have reached that time of year again and it got me thinking, "Why is it that we focus so much on this day?"


Valentine's Day has been commercialised to the point where it's lost its' original meaning. Singles sigh at the absence of a significant other and couples are unnecessarily stressed by the expectation to do something. Why is it that some of us let this day get to us so much? After all, February 14th is no more than a day dictated by society, telling you to feel a certain way. No more of this single awareness day, or letting it get us down. Whether you are single or not, it's time to turn the meaning of Valentine's Day on its' head. 

Valentine's Day: noun: a day in which one celebrates how amazingly unique and important oneself is.

Don't get me wrong, I believe it is imperative to acknowledge the value of others, but you should do that on a day that's special to you. You do know you can show gratitude for someone on any day of the year, right? We live in a world so externally focused, we forget to acknowledge our own significance. We lose sight of ourselves and forget to nurture and care for the most important person in our lives; you! Let's celebrate self-love. You are just as treasured and special as anyone else in your life. How are you supposed to love and care for others, if you can't do the same to yourself?

This year, one of my goals is to improve at self-love and self-care. I've always been so critical of myself. Self-compassion can be a life-long journey. Learning to love yourself is one of the most important life-lessons. Once you understand the true value of yourself, you will be an unstoppable force of greatness. Slipping acts of self-care into your day can help improve your happiness and emotional well-being. We do so much for the benefit of others, but sometimes we need to slow down and take a moment for ourselves. It doesn't have to take hours, all it takes is a few simple moments. This is not selfish, sometimes it's just necessary.

So, since we're going to celebrate self-love this Valentine's, here's a list of things you can do to care for yourself.

1. Practice mindfulness - bringing yourself to the present moment
2. Plan your day
3. Journal
4. Watch the sunrise or wake up early
5. Read
6. Go on a bike ride
7. Immerse yourself in nature
8. Tidy up your personal space
9. Take a nap
10. Meditate
11. Yoga
12. Work on your passion or something you love
13. Listen to music
14. Doodle
15. Watch a T.V. show
16. Call someone important to you
17. Make your own food - make your favourite meal!
19. Aromatherapy
20. Notice how you're really feeling - write it down to get it out of your system
21. Colour-in a colouring book
22. Stretch
23. Read your favourite blogs
24. Watch a funny video and laugh 'til you cry
25. Make a list, much like this one, of things you like to do to care for yourself
26. Create a record of daily achievements
27. Practice daily gratitude - I have a 'good shit jar' where I write good shit that happens on a little sheet of paper and put it in the jar.
28. Compile a list of your favourite quotes
29. Rearrange your bedroom or furniture in your house
30. Make yourself a nice hot drink
31. Carry a water bottle with you - stay hydrated!
32. Put on your favourite playlist and turn it up as loud as you like
33. Lie on your bed and notice the sounds around you
34. Light a candle
35. Treat yourself to dinner

This post is long overdue, it was supposed to be up on Valentine's Day. Life has been crazy hectic and I've been struggling with fatigue. Although this wasn't up on time, I believe it's important to acknowledge self-love on any day of the year. We forget to love ourselves, so now it's time to get back in touch with the most important person in your life; you! Sometimes a simple act of self-kindness can go a long way.

- Miller

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