Whether you’re single or not, it’s impossible to ignore the imminent arrival of Valentine’s Day. Slowly but surely the shelves become full of all manner of heart-shaped goodies, fluffy teddy bears and rose petals. Whilst we feel the pressure to couple up on this rose-tinted day, there’s something that deserves more attention than your significant other – you.
We’re not condoning those who purchase the teddies and exchange cards (god knows we’ll be first in line), but Valentine’s Day can be more than that if you want it to be. So, here’s How to Fall in Love with Yourself This Valentine’s Day…
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR MISTAKES
We all make mistakes, but often it’s difficult to admit that we messed up. When something happens, and we have an ‘oops’ moment, acknowledging that we didn’t make the decisions that we were supposed to and that we caused this is something that can play on our minds. But you know what? It’s not the end of the world. Everybody messes up. We all have those moments where we internally cringe at ourselves. And we all have it within us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and embrace it all as a life lesson. This Valentine’s Day make sure that you don’t chastise yourself for mistakes that you have made, and be sure to forgive yourself when you do, inevitably, screw up again. C’est la vie.
DON’T SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST
Listen up; you should never let yourself be second best. I know that’s a hard thing to hear because society has firmly told us that we are all destined to be second best, but now’s the time to make a stand. Now’s the time to hold your head high and declare that you are putting yourself first – challenge the stereotypes, question the pre-conceived rules that say you are not enough and refuse to accept that you shouldn’t be worthy of being number one because our culture tells you so. If you want to succeed at work, you can. If you want a positive love life, then go for it girl. If you want to pamper yourself, then do it. And if you want to put your body and mind in first place, then know that you have it within you to do so.
RECOGNISE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
So accustomed are we to talking about ourselves with a razor-sharp tongue, that we forget to acknowledge when we have done something well. We are living in a time where success is defined by the thinness of your body and the sharpness of your eyeliner, so much so that we fail to give ourselves a pat on the back when something has gone well in our lives. It is also seen as somewhat narcissistic to boast about our achievements – but why? If you’re proud of yourself, why not tell people? More so, why not praise yourself? This Valentine’s Day try recognising your achievements and acknowledging the flawless force of nature that you are. Know that you can seamlessly achieve anything that you set your heart on – here’s to you, Rockstar.
CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUENESS
We are told to fall into line and follow the rules that society has set out for us. If we don’t, we run the risk of society turning its back on us and rendering us unacceptable. We rarely take the time to home in on the things that make us unique, that make us individual, that make us, us. Beauty can be found in the things that make us the same, in how we relate to others and the things that we have in common. But girl, you need to show some self-love every now and again. Appreciate what makes us the same but celebrate what makes you different. Spend your Valentine’s Day celebrating the shape and size of your body, the colour of your, the features that make up your face, the marks on your skin, your tiger stripes, your mind – you.
DON’T DEPEND ON THE LOVE OF ANOTHER
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly -this Valentine’s Day, learn to love yourself fabove all else. We are so used to concerning ourselves with what others think of us and depending upon their approval, that our worth is more often in the hands of another. But it’s time to take back your worth – only you can decide how you feel about yourself. You don’t need the permission of someone else to fall in love with yourself, but most of us find that difficult to shake off. Strive to be authentically you. Encourage and celebrate yourself. Embrace your quirks and accept your individuality. Realise that you are in control of your self-love and know that you are so worthy of loving yourself.