Loving yourself this Valentine’s Day

In February our thoughts tend to drift toward Valentine’s Day: romantic love, roses, heart-shaped chocolates, showering affection on someone else. But have you ever stopped to think about a different kind of love? Yes, I’m talking about the love that grows from within: self-love.

Why self-love? Because it’s the root all other kinds of love grow from. It’s like tending a garden in your soul. Being kind to yourself builds inner strength and happiness, and it shapes how you treat the world and yourself. And let’s be honest, that garden needs tending every single day, not only when Cupid’s arrow strikes on February 14th.

So this February, while everything around us is red and pink, let’s turn the spotlight inward. Here are some ideas I’d love to share with you.

Practice self-care

One of the simplest ways to show yourself some love is to take care of your body and mind. For some people that’s a relaxing bath, a good book or a walk in nature. For others it’s yoga, meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing. Whatever works for you, the important thing is to make it a regular part of your routine.

Write yourself a love letter

This might sound silly or uncomfortable at first, but trust us, it’s worth it. Write a letter to yourself about all the things you love and appreciate about yourself: physical qualities, personal qualities, accomplishments, anything that makes you proud and happy to be who you are. When you’re done, read the letter to yourself and bask in the warm glow.

Talk to yourself kindly

The way we talk to ourselves affects how we feel about ourselves. If you catch yourself in negative self-talk, try replacing the thought with a kinder one. If you hear yourself thinking, “I’m so stupid for making that mistake,” say instead, “I’m human, and I’m doing the best I can.” Small shifts like that make a real difference over time.

Treat yourself to something special

Sometimes showing yourself love is as simple as a treat. It could be as small as a fancy coffee or something sweet, or as big as a weekend getaway or a new piece of jewelry. Choose something that makes you feel special, and enjoy it without guilt and without wondering whether you “deserve” it. You do deserve it.

Make peace with your flaws

We all have flaws and imperfections, and it’s easy to get down on ourselves about them. Instead of trying to hide them or fix them, try accepting them as part of what makes you unique. Your flaws make you human. They don’t define your worth as a person.

This February

When we’re kind to ourselves, honor our needs and speak to ourselves with love and respect, we’re in a better place in every part of life. That includes our spiritual path and our connection with the divine.

So this February, carve out some moments for self-love. Use the ideas here, and more importantly, give yourself permission to cherish and appreciate who you are. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.

To each and every one of you in our Two Birds Church community, I send my heartfelt wishes for a month full of love, care and joy. Remember, the first step in loving others is loving yourself.

With all my love and encouragement, A’ho, Two Birds Church 🕊️🦅