Last week I was involved in a conversation regarding Valentine’s Day. A woman made the comment, “As a single person, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite.” My heart broke for her. I could hear the loneliness in her words. But then a remarkable thing happened. The entire conversation group rallied around her and began to encourage her. We told her that single people are lovable, too. We said that she should treat herself for Valentine’s Day. We said there is absolutely nothing wrong with being good to yourself once in a while. And so, that got me thinking about all the people who may be feeling lonely or left out, abandoned or alone. This Valentine’s Day I want to encourage you to love yourself! It’s not too late to show yourself some love. So, come on! Let’s Celebrate!
Have a solo date
I know it may sound weird or awkward, but go on a solo date. With Yourself! It doesn’t matter if you make a reservation at your favorite restaurant or have a car picnic in the parking lot. Take yourself to your favorite lunch or dinner place and savor every single bite! Really splurge on yourself. Give yourself permission to enjoy every moment, really love yourself!
Maybe you’re an outdoorsy person. Why not take a walk, or a short hike? If the weather isn’t cooperating, pick a location and go for a beautiful drive! Put on your favorite playlist and really enjoy the moments with yourself.
Watch your favorite movie with your favorite snack. Okay, so you made a New Year’s resolution to stop eating junk food. You can indulge in your favorite beverage, or make a charcuterie tray just for yourself. The point is, plan a solo date and enjoy every single minute of it!
You don’t have to share the remote, or work around someone else’s food preferences. In fact, you can do whatever makes you happiest today! Love yourself as you would want to be loved!
Indulge in bouquets and blooms
I love fresh flowers. I think there is nothing in the world as special as receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers. But I hate spending the money on something frivolous that will eventually die away. But certain days call for blossoms and blooms. Spring always has me buying hyacinth bulbs. Sumer brings carnations. Fall caters to mums.
If you love fresh florals, too, why not stop in your local grocery store and pick up a bouquet. They don’t have to be expensive. Most stores have a $5-$10 bouquet that can really brighten your day. Love yourself with fresh flowers if that’s your vibe!
See yourself in a beautiful new light
Wow, this is one I really struggle with. I have scars all over my body. Scars on my chin from falling up the stairs as a child, scars from surgeries, scars from having my babies, scars from accidents, and scars on my heart. But there is one ‘scar’ that means more to me than any of the others.
I have a tattoo. It’s a small cross on the inside of my left wrist. Many years ago, after a brutal surgery, I decided that if I was destined to be covered in scars, I would have one that was of my choosing. I thought for a long time about what it would be: would it say ‘survivor?, would it be a ribbon, would it be the word ‘faith’? None of these seemed right for me. Then one day I realized that everything in my past and everything in my future, every hurt, every pain, every scar was made beautiful in light of the cross. Everything I’ve been through is covered by the cross, and everything I still have to go through is nothing when placed at the foot of the cross.
Getting that tiny tattoo changed my perspective on my scars, and on so many days has reminded me that there is nothing I can’t get through because of the cross.
Love yourself because of who you are
So if you struggle with self-image, with low self-esteem, or with fear and anxiety, I really want to encourage you today to see yourself in a beautiful new light. Love yourself by reminding yourself what you have already come through, what you have been successful at, what you haven’t given into, or what you are currently overcoming.
Often we see what we are ‘failing’ at, we see our mistakes, we see our struggles. Today, remind yourself of how beautiful you are – not in spite of your struggles – but because of them!
Write yourself a love letter
Okay, this one may sound a little hokey, but trust me. I want you to write yourself a love letter as if you were seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes. What would they say to you? What would they see as your strengths? How would they tell you you’re amazing?
Go ahead, tell yourself how proud of you, you are. You made it through another year of struggles, you made it through another week at a difficult job, you washed the dishes, you made your bed, you took a walk. Tell yourself how thankful you are that you didn’t give up, that you stayed the course, that you achieved the thing you meant to achieve. Love yourself with kind words and loving encouragement.
Give yourself grace
This world can be hard, friend. It can be lonely and fierce and challenging to navigate. Remind yourself that you are on your own side, that you have your own back, and you are amazing! Give yourself grace in weakness, forgive your mistakes, and love yourself this Valentine’s Day!
XO, Billie
Additional Resources:
Enjoy some simple pleasures today
Here’s a Paris Loft Playlist for your Valentine’s Day enjoyment:
