Valentine’s Day has never been my favorite holiday, but I’m not against it either. I’m not one of those people who gags at the sight of romantic gestures or throws anti-Valentine’s Day parties. I’m not one who dismisses the holiday and says “everyday is Valentine’s Day,” but I agree that showing and giving love should be a daily thing.
Whether you’re single (hand-raised) or have a significant other, we all have relationships. Family, friends, co-workers, classmates, running buddies, etc. Yet the one we often dismiss or neglect is the relationship with ourselves. Guilty as charged.
Thanks to Amanda for hosting this awesome link-up and letting me ramble Think Out Loud.
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I’ve gotten better over the years but I still struggle with treating myself fairly and lovingly. Meaning, I sometimes judge myself. I sometimes criticize myself. I don’t give myself enough credit for things and I compare myself to others.
Treating yourself in a loving way is more than exercising and eating healthy, although those are extremely important. We have to nurture the whole person. Our minds, spirits and passions. It sounds dramatic but stay with me…
Valentine’s Day themed sushi <3
Would you judge your friend the way you judge yourself? Would you think less of a friend who took a “mental health” day and stayed on the couch instead of going to work and/or working out? Would you dismiss a friend’s accomplishment as luck rather than handwork? No, no and no.
Then why do we do those things to ourselves? Why do I do those things to myself?
I wish I knew that answer.
I’m learning to give myself a break. I don’t have to be the best but instead MY best…whatever “best” may mean that day. I don’t feel guilty for “indulging” in the things I like. I try to carve out “me time” to do the activities I want, which some days involve napping.
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This Valentine’s Day, along with appreciating your loved ones with love, show YOURSELF some love. Buy that special Starbucks drink you always crave but don’t order, take a walk to get some Vitamin D, buy flowers for your table, sit in silence and let your mind wander, watch your favorite trashy television show or cook yourself a delicious dinner. Remind yourself that you’re awesome (because you are).
Whatever you do, do it with love and do it for you.
How do you show yourself love?
Valentine’s Day..love or hate?
Great concept Emily! I agree with you, I don’t love Valentine’s Day yet I don’t hate it either. I like to show myself love by getting a massage once a month or indulging in that scrumptious dessert every once in a while when out to dinner with friends.
Krystal recently posted…My Favorite Fitness Apps
Getting a massage is one of my favorite ways to show myself some love. You gave me the great idea of scheduling one!
We are all hard on ourselves sometimes! We will always be, but that’s okay! As long as we love ourselves (more) of the time! I like V-Day! I think it’s sweet even if you don’t have a romantic partner!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Peanut Butter Puff Granola
It is a sweet holiday and doesn’t have to be about romance. Self-love all the way :)
I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day (this is technically the first time I’ve been in a relationship for it) but I agree that it’s a great holiday to focus on loving yourself. That’s the most important person you can love and it’s the one we overlook the most. I just don’t think we need a holiday to buy random presents, but I’ll never turn down the chocolate ;)
pickyrunner recently posted…Excitement
Well said ;) I can never say no to a little gift from a loved one. Have a blast in the city!
I think it is so important to show ourselves love, and Valentine’s day is the perfect time to be reminded of. I definitely planning on indulging in some chocolate and doing things I enjoy. Loved this post Emily!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Workout Playlist + BangBandsbyLinny
That sounds perfect <3
Great post, girl! I’m neither here nor there with Valentine’s Day either, but I love what you said about treating yourself as kindly as you treat other people. I’m definitely a lot harder on myself than I am on other people, and while I’ve gotten better at it over the years, it’s still a constant work in progress… but at least we’re going in the right direction :)
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #117 .
Thanks, Amanda! I agree…I’m a world of a difference from how I was in high school. Happy Valentine’s Day!
My hubby and I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. We never had. Seems so clichè and we make a point of loving and treating each other nicely all year not just one day because we’re supposed to. We celebrate Feb 13th, our dating anniversary instead. :)
Melanie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud Thursday
Very convenient dating anniversary! Happy anniversary :) I’m all for special little gifts throughout the year.
Love it! Last year on Valentine’s Day, I instagrammed a quote that was similar — “you have to remember to love yourself first.” PS – holller for being single on Vday! I don’t resent it or anything, and I’m having Palentine’s Day with a girlfriend! : )
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…Throwback Thursday – Cooking Style
AMEN. That sounds better than going to a fancy restaurant anyway!
I can take or leave Valentine’s Day, but I am all for treating yourself as kindly as you would treat a friend! And, admittedly, that’s something I’m working on!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Thinking Out Loud # 7: Pinterest Picks
Yep, we need to all be our own best friends. Hope you treat yourself to something nice this weekend :)
I don’t mind VDay; growing up my mom always made it special so I associate it more with love than a relationship. It can be hard to treat yourself as a friend. I know I struggle with that too!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…The Fit Bit Failure
My mom was/is the same way. I loved waking up to a little note and gift on the breakfast table.
Such a good message! We are all so hard ourselves and forget how important it is to rest and just enjoy life.
Right?! No need for the constant go-go-go or self-judgment. Hope you have a relaxing weekend :)
Such a great message. I mention something similar in my blog post for day! There aren’t enough reasons to celebrate love in the world!
Lauren recently posted…Treat Yourself to DuClaw’s Naked Fish Chocolate Raspberry Stout this Valentine’s Day
I completely agree! Hope you treat yourself to something you love :)