It’s the Season of Love, How About Some Self-Love?

February, the month of love! Red roses, pink hearts, and love letters! The time we get to actively remind those special people around us, how much we love and appreciate them. However, what about the love and appreciation we should be giving ourselves during this month of love?

As much as February is all about the typical Valentines or Galentines celebrations, it is equally essential to recognise the love we have for ourselves. For me, the idea of self-love has crept up repeatedly during the last couple of months, as there has been change, new beginnings and plenty of moments of ‘finding my feet’ in my new life. As I settle into change, I find it can become rather easy to neglect myself and the things that fuel my happiness, as I focus on navigating the changes and new starts. I’ve been forced to be comfortable with my own company during this period. Luckily, I have never minded my own company, I enjoy my solo time, a time to relax and recharge my social battery, and a time to simply do the things I want to do!

Feeling comfortable in your own company, I believe, goes hand in hand with self-love. Doing things alone that bring you joy and fulfil your life, is an act of self-love. Sometimes, life simply forces you to be independent, and that does not need to be seen negatively, it can be a blessing. It is important in those moments not to rely on others to do those fulfilling activities, as you can have just as much fun alone and you shouldn’t have to wait around to do what you want to do! Once you realise this, you will be able to try new, out of comfort zone experiences, supporting that confidence and self-love! Not to say that spending time with friends and family is not vital, as being with loved ones overflows my happiness cup!

Self-love, however, is not just solo dates; it’s a mindset. Remembering your worth, prioritising your own needs, speaking up when needed for yourself or somebody else, recognising negative self-talk, taking time to do some acts of self-care, or saying words of affirmations to yourself. Over time, these acts of self-love will become second nature and begin to positively affect other aspects of your life.

Self-love can determine so many decisions in life; from knowing who you are and what you stand for, to being able to say no, or being able to say yes to daunting experiences. Or learning that making mistakes is okay, especially true if you are similarly navigating your 20s (or even if you’re not!), a time where highs and lows are destined to happen, with a whole lot of figuring out adulthood.

Having genuine self-love can take time, and for me, it is a work in progress as I am still in my early 20s, settling into the big, wide world of adult hood where inevitable mistakes will shape me. But, taking that leap in starting a new job, moving to a new area, or simply doing a face mask once a week, is all a step in the right direction, and I do believe is slowly but surely contributing to my confidence and teaching me to believe in myself! I encourage you to try and take a leap out of your comfort zone, no matter how big or small that may be.

So, as you continue to give your loved ones some love this valentines season, don’t forget to speak kindly to yourself, and give yourself some well-deserved self-love too!