I used to get irritated by Valentine’s Day (I know, bah humbug etc!) It’s taken a little change of perspective to make me realize the value of a day given over to thinking about the idea of love. Love for other people, love for myself, and love for the things I love. Which in turn gives me a glowing, happy inside feeling all day long, regardless of whatever else the V-day might bring.
My shift went from thinking like this:
Being annoyed by the implied pressure to be romantically swept off your feet on Valentine’s day, and, oh boy, if you weren’t in a relationship, well then, there’s the implied pressure to be in one.
Now I prefer to think of it all this way:
The people I love
There is my awe-inspiring husband who is the best person I know and my best friend, although the whole Mars, Venus thing is very real!
There is my wonderous family; a supportive and loving unit of amazing people who have been strong enough to hold me through fire but can also give me the kind of laugh where I’m on the floor weeping.
There are my dear friends; each of whom is a jewel in their own right, with whom the different aspects of myself can come to life. Galentine’s day anyone?
My mentors and teachers all of whom have patiently shared their wisdom with me, allowing me to see life from a newer, fresher lens.
The clients and customers and Isy B. supporters for whom I enjoy creating, I feel blessed to be able to do one of the things I love best in the world.
Love for myself
This one has come a little harder for me and continues to be a work in progress. I now know that loving myself is one kind act towards myself at a time. It means recognizing and giving myself a timeout when I’m tired, speaking kindly to myself, intentionally living the kind of life that suits me and makes me feel fulfilled, saying No when I want to say no, accepting myself, and surrounding myself with people I love and who can accept me as I am.
The things I love
This is a long list; even thinking about some of those things makes me smile and I’m grateful for my ability to do them. Travel, music and singing, walking in nature, dancing and movement of any kind, reading a great book, drawing, writing, lazy Sundays spent chilling and doing nothing. However, as you probably know by now, one of my greatest loves is Isy B. the source of some of my greatest triumphs and challenges.
My feeling now for Valentine’s day is one of gratitude. It’s not that I don’t think of these things in a sometimes fleeting way throughout the year but I’m grateful to have one day dedicated to the best thing about this life: Love!
Who do you love? What do you love? How could you make an active effort to acknowledge and even celebrate that love in your life this month? Let’s feel good together this Valentine’s day.
What I’m reading:
Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are - Yes, I’m still working my way through this one. Lots of “Aha!” moments and reflection. I feel like this is a good month to spend a little quality time with a cup of tea and my workbook.
What I’m listening to:
Lady Gaga - Born this way - Nothing like a little shot of Lady G to give me a kick in the proverbial and move me in the right direction!
What I’m trying:
Something new: Buddhist Loving Kindness Practice of Metta
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