February is known as the “love” month. Whether you are single, dating, engaged, married or somewhere in between practicing self-love daily is key, especially if you are living with a chronic illness or disability.
Whatever it is you choose to do this Valentine’s Day, take a moment to not only be grateful for those who love and accept you for who you are, but don’t forget to give yourself some love too.
Here are some wonderful ways to practice self-love:
Give your body love. Chronic illness and disability can make us sometimes feel like we don’t deserve love or that no one would love us the way we are. That’s the furthest thing from the truth. There is someone out of the billions of people in the world, who is looking for someone just like you. Don’t give up. Take care of yourself. Go to the gym. Get a facial. Book that massage. Have that piece of chocolate and indulge in simple pleasures. On top of all that, always know your worth.
Don’t compare. They don’t say comparison is the thief of joy for nothing. When you are driving, do you stare at the other person in the lane next to you? I hope not. Usually people look a few times, for a few seconds. It’s the same thing with comparing yourself to others. If you’re always so busy focused on what others are doing, you will miss out on what you can and should be doing. Stay in your lane. It’s okay to see what others are doing from time to time because sometimes that leads to inspiration and new knowledge. However, when it starts to stress you out and make you feel less than or not good enough, that’s when you know it’s not healthy.
Let go of things that no longer serve you. This can people anything from items in your closet that no longer represent the person you are today or people, places and negative thought forms and patterns that are holding you back. Past hurts and disappoints can also weigh you down, so be mindful of what still needs inner healing. Stress and people who kill your vibe, can have a huge impact on how you feel and heal.
Find a happy place. Find it relaxing while drinking a nice cup of tea or coffee alone in the afternoon? Enjoy some quiet time in a bath or while meditating? Any place where you can connect with yourself in silence, brings you one step closer to knowing who you are, what you want, what you need and not settling for any less.
Do something you love doing. What are you passionate about? What’s your favorite hobby or past-time? Whatever that is, don’t stop doing it.
Try something new. Being open-minded and exploring what life has to offer can broaden your horizons and connect you to new friends or even potential love interests!
