Did you know today (February 13th ) is Self-Love Day?
I’ve written about how practising Self-Love grows your business.. read it here
And I promised to share some ideas on what that can actually look like!
To make it easier - think of self-love like romancing yourself.
We don’t need to have a partner to experience romance. And to be honest, I believe that we shouldn’t put all our happiness and romance in one person’s hands. That’s too much pressure for them PLUS you're missing out on so many other ways you can experience romance.
So, what does love and romance mean to you? Everyone's different. Some people love the idea of flowers, chocolates, love letters, surprises, pampering, special dinners.
What do you need to feel loved? Do you require:
Words?
Gifts?
Touch?
Quality Time?
Acts of Service?
Perhaps you want/need all of the above in some form!? Then give that to yourself. That's what Self-Love means to me, at least.
What we crave from others we actually crave from ourselves. Here are some ways that you can make your body, mind and soul feel special, loved, cared for and valued.
WORDS
Write yourself a love letter and/or card and give it to yourself tomorrow!
Read gorgeous poetry, or better still, write a poem to yourself.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself how much you appreciate yourself.
Write a message on your mirror in lipstick, something you’d love to read.
Record yourself saying something loving to yourself and listen to it.
GIFTS
Buy yourself your favourite flowers (better still, have them delivered).
Save up and buy a gorgeous ring, necklace or bracelet and every time you look at it, let it remind you that you love who you are!
Take yourself off to your favourite coffee shop and have that cupcake.
Bake yourself a cake or cookies – heart shaped of course!
Book yourself into a Spa.
Treat yourself to something you have had your eye on. Get it gift wrapped.
Make yourself breakfast in bed.
Make sure you send yourself that love letter so you receive it in the post.
TOUCH
Slather on gorgeous body lotion—be present and slow.
Get a pedicure.
Get a manicure.
Dance to your favourite music and feel your body move.
Give yourself a massage.
Book a massage.
Wear cashmere or silk.
Wear gorgeous underwear.
Book to have your hair done.
Have a gorgeous bath with bubbles, champagne, candles and music. Feel the water all around you. Heavenly!
Hug yourself!! Why not?
QUALITY TIME
Listen to your body’s needs - stop when it tells you to! Set a time to finish working by.
Spend more time doing what you love - in your business and your personal life.
Write in a journal - allow your feelings out.
Be mindful when you eat.
Be mindful - full stop.
Spend time in beautiful places.
Make sure you take a lunch break (even if it's only short).
Spend time in nature.
Unplug.
Meditate.
Date Yourself...(scroll to the bottom for examples of Self-Dates).
ACTS OF SERVICE
Say yes if someone offers to help you.
Delete or delegate as many things as you can.
Pay someone to iron your clothes.
Have your car washed.
Hire a cleaner.
Hire a coach.
Hire a personal trainer.
Hire an assistant (a virtual one will also help you build your business).
Hire a child-minder.
Hire a chef.
Get your shopping delivered.
Remind yourself that you DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALL YOURSELF.
Date yourself
Take yourself on a date! It's great fun. Don’t worry about other people thinking you look like a ‘loser’. In all honesty, many people will feel envious of the fact that you are obviously comfortable enough in your own skin to spend some quality ‘me time’.
Try one of these:
Coffee shop.
Cinema to watch the film none of your friends are interested in
Take yourself on a walk and be present.
Go to an art museum.
Go to the beach (if you are lucky enough to live near one).
Visit a nearby (or not so nearby) city and explore.
Take your camera out and get some great shots.
What other examples do you have? What does Self-Love and Self-Care mean to you?
Sending you so much love.
Emma xx
P.S. Not sure which category you fall into? Take the Love Language Quiz and find out which of the areas above you crave the most.