February 14th — a day celebrated by many couples. But, regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or single there is a love that we should all celebrate, and that’s self-love.
What Is Self-Love?
According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: “Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. Self-love means having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. Self-love means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Self-love means not settling for less than you deserve.”
You can show yourself self-love through:
- Self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and empathy, especially during challenging times.
- Setting boundaries: Recognize and assert your needs, and communicate them clearly to others.
- Practicing self-care: Engage in activities that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Celebrating your achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small.
- Positive self-talk: Replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations and reminders of your strengths, capabilities, and worthiness.
- Self-acceptance: Embrace your flaws, quirks, and imperfections.
- Seeking support: Recognize when you need help and reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals.
- Embracing self-discovery: Engage in activities that help you better understand yourself, and explore your interests, values, and passions.
Ways to Show Yourself Self-Love
From easy to elaborate, here are some ideas for ways that you can show yourself self-love:
- Make yourself a care package of your favourite things
- Buy yourself some chocolates and flowers
- Take yourself shopping — give yourself permission to buy something for yourself
- Plan a night with friends
- Make a list of things that you love about yourself
- Pamper yourself with a home spa night
- Take yourself out for a spa treatment
- Do something that makes you happy — play music, bake, practise yoga
- Wear clothes that make you feel good — why wait for a special occasion?
- Take some down time — read, watch your favourite show, or just chill
Self-Love is like riding a bike — it takes practice
Ash is in CHV’s Rights of Passage (ROP) program and wanted to learn to ride a bike to support their transportation needs as well as their financial needs (Ash wished to use the bike for food deliveries).
Ash first attempted to ride a bike at the age of eight, with the help of their parents. Ash did not feel that they were adequately supported by their parents, so they tried on their own, which led to accidents that resulted in Ash not wanting to ride again.
As an adult, Ash was ready to try this endeavour again and scheduled lessons with the ROP youth workers. Ash began by learning rider safety rules and the anatomy of a bike. With the support and encouragement from the youth workers Ash was soon able ride on their own.
Ash practised outside of scheduled lesson hours and by the end of that week, Ash was able to ride short distances without staff support. Ash kept working on their stamina, balance, and confidence and is now able to ride along the seawall on their own.
How are you going to show yourself self-love today?
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