Self Love this Valentine’s Day

We all know that Valentine’s Day is traditionally the day dedicated to love. Where couples the world over spend time together, give gifts and perhaps even indulge in a marriage proposal. I’m fully aware of the tradition and the legend of Saint Valentine who used to secretly marry Roman soldiers. He was imprisoned (and later executed) for this, and wrote a letter to his love before his execution, which was signed, “Your Valentine”.

But this Valentine’s Day, I don’t just want you to celebrate this day of love with your partners, I want you to take some time out for a little self love as well. It’s something we should do more of – self love. We get so caught up in the day-to-day of life, running a household, family commitments and care, careers, obligations and all the other responsibilities in life that we forget or don’t have the time to take a little “me time”, distress and recharge the batteries.

Women in particular are excellent at putting themselves last, especially if they have a family of which to take care. We are also very good at being hard on ourselves (I’m the first one to put my hand up and admit to that!). We often give ourselves a guilt trip or beat ourselves up over the tiniest little things or the things we should have done. We worry too much about the things that ‘might’ happen or obsess over how people ‘might’ perceive us.

What I want you to do this Valentine’s Day is to just stop for a moment. STOP! Just stop for a moment. I want you to dedicate some “time out” for yourself. To love yourself. I want you to book in some time within the next fortnight and recharge your batteries. You might like to do something small like go for a mani-pedi, head to the gym or go for a massage. You might do something more lavish like go to a vineyard or a retreat. But whatever you pick, make sure it’s all about you! Make some time for yourself and clear your head. Just zone out. Allow yourself to be human and give yourself a break, both physically and emotionally.

Why do I want you to do this?

Because it’s important! That’s why! You need to take time out every now and then to recharge, relax and reflect. It’s good mental health. Studies the world over have proven it – you need to self love! I’m not saying be totally self absorbed 100% of the time. I’m just saying you need to take time to nurture the relationship you have with yourself, just like you have to nurture the relationship you have with a partner.

What will I be doing this Valentine’s Day?

Well, my act of self love for 2016 is that I’m off to see Mrs Brown’s Boys live on stage next weekend here in Brisbane. I’m a HUGE fan! The last time they were in Australia, I had just finished my last round of chemo. I decided last minute that I would treat myself for getting through chemo, so I bought myself a ticket at the last minute. Off course, by this time, there were only single seats remaining, right up the back. So I went by myself and wore my wig (as my hair had fallen out). I vowed that the next time they visited Australia, I would get closer seats and buy two so I could take someone with me. That’s what I have done. I’m taking my sister and we are sitting the front row on the first balcony. Also, this time I won’t be so fatigued and I will manage standing up and queue for some autographs!

So now it’s your turn…..

Tell me in the comments below what it is you are going to do this Valentine’s Day to show some self love to yourself.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Sistas! ?❤?