“To thine own self be true” – William Shakespeare
February is the month when Cupid gets to spread love far and near. Roses are plucked and arranged by the truckload. Chocolate gets melted, molded, and devoured. Men everywhere are given a golden opportunity to buy their way out of the proverbial dog house.
This year I decided that February would take on an entirely different meaning. This year February is all about loving and taking care of me. Why should I wait for someone else to give me the thing that I desire most?
Self-love is highly underrated. I believe that we could all use some radical, selfish, T-L-C. Imagine how much happier everyone would be if they felt loved and appreciated.
The people we love are not always available to give us what we so desperately need. Sometimes they’re busy, they have their own stuff to deal with, and sometimes they just don’t feel like it. In the big scheme of things, love of any kind begins within.
So what can you do to love and care for you? Whatever feels good!
- Go to a movie – alone
- Get a mani/pedi
- Have a cup of tea
- Take a bubble bath
- Do nothing
Only you can decide what makes you feel cared for. There is no wrong choice here, whatever floats your boat. Make a list of things you enjoy and then work through the list.
For me, taking care of myself is about creating a space where it’s all about me. Last week I scheduled a massage, and it turned out to be the best 60 minutes I have had in a very long time. I walked out feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and alive! A few days later, I took myself out to lunch, which is something I don’t do often enough. I only had a grilled cheese sandwich, but it wasn’t about what I ate, it was about the act of making time for myself.
Life is a busy business. It’s easy to get caught up in the doing, so much so that you forget about being. If you don’t take care of yourself, there is no way that you’ll be able to take care of others. You are the center of your own Uni-verse and your life only works with you in it. Make yourself a priority. Put you first.
This post is part of the Soul Salon, a monthly discussion of the topics that move our Spirit. For a list of all the Soul Salon posts check out the full line up here.