I was originally writing this blog with the intention of making it all about activities you can do with your significant other on Valentines Day. After taking a quiet day to myself, I found myself awakened to what suddenly felt more important than fancy dinners and red roses on this famous day of love. What’s more important than one-on-one time with your babe on Valentines Day you ask? Well, what about the one-on-one time with yourself? “Self-Love” seems like a cliché topic for a lot of us. The truth is, we have become desensitized to loving ourselves because we are always on the go, and never take a minute to exist in a single space without thinking about the next damn thing we got to do. I admit, I fall victim to that category often, but I’m urging myself and all of you to be more aware of the importance of spending time with yourself in this new year.
As you well know, 2020 was a lot to handle. Too much in fact. We’re still pushing for recovery as we speak. So I wanted the first post in the new year to really be a congratulations to all of us because we have survived in more ways than one. If you’re reading this, you are absolutely incredible to have made it this far. I commend you, and continue to pray for your health, happiness, and overall well-being. This past year was hard on everyone, and as we continue to move forward in this journey, we need to make sure our mind, body, and soul are prepared for it as well.
As someone who battles with anxiety, my headspace can feel like a jumble when I’m incapable of controlling my surroundings or outcomes. At times, I have the occasional breakdown because I too, like a lot of us, harbor those frustrations alone. There are times things can get a bit darker, and I even begin to believe the doubts that play tricks in my head. “I’m not a good daughter, sister, friend”. “I can’t do anything right”. “I’m a failure”. Our mental health is vital. Now I’m not going to sit here and preach to you like a therapist about all the ways you can better yourself, because honestly? There is a lot of help out there, and we should use it to our full advantage. Whether it’s talking to your healthcare provider about seeking professional counseling, or incorporating daily meditation routines to calm your nerves, we forget that taking care of our mind will allow us to take care of everything else.
BEING KINDER TO YOURSELF
There are days we feel very little. We can’t get up without feeling negative about the world or ourselves. Those days are okay to have too. But remember that any day you get out of bed and face the world is an accomplishment no matter what! You should feel proud of yourself! We have a lot on our plates, and things aren’t always going to go as planned. You’re going to face obstacles and sometimes you’re going to fall flat on your face. What would life be without it’s hardships?! Remember that after every downpour, will proceed even a glimmer of light. You are only HUMAN. Find comfort in your morning cup of coffee, or stepping outside of the office for some fresh air. It’s hard to appreciate yourself and all your accomplishments when we’re conditioned by society to be perfect. It’s not always easy to tell yourself affirmations of love, peace, and acknowledgment. If you’re like me, you could do everything right, but if you make one mistake, you focus on the wrong and beat yourself up for it. I try to remind myself to stop sweating the small stuff and BREATHE…we forget to do that sometimes you know! Give yourself some alone time. Run a bath, read a good book, and for the love of God…eat the carby bowl of pasta without any guilt! You don’t need to be surrounded with chaos at all times either or punish yourself when you aren’t on your A-Game. Refuel yourself by giving even 10 minutes a day to relax. It’s never easy, but as I get older, I’m more confident in my own skin and who I’m becoming. I admire the strength I show to keep pushing forward no matter the outcome, and always try to remind myself that I am blessed to see another day when others may not have the luxury. We don’t compliment ourselves enough. Let’s get better at that together!
You are capable of anything so long as you work hard, manifest your goals no matter how many mistakes you make during the process, and reward yourself by investing in your mental, physical, and spiritual self. Set the tone, be confident, and love yourself most.
With Love & All Things Great,
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