Two Day Magazine

Whatever your relationship status, we can all stand to be a little kinder to ourselves...

Aw, Valentine’s Day. The day of romance is upon us and many of us are scrambling to find last minute gifts for lovers, or trying to call up every single friend we have and vent about how stupid this day really is. But, whatever you’re feeling about Valentine’s Day, you probably haven’t factored yourself into the equation much at all. Valentine’s Day seems to be a day to project love (or venom) outward, and often times, we neglect ourselves in the process.

Contrary to what many of us believe, Valentine’s Day was not thought up by greedy card companies hoping to cash in on our relationship insecurities. In fact, the whole notion of Valentine’s Day is veiled in mystery, but many believe it began as a church sanctioned holiday near 498 AD. There are many legends surrounding the origins of this holiday, but according to one legend, Valentine sent the first “valentine” card himself, while he was in prison. He had fallen in love with his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his jail time. Before he died, he allegedly penned her a letter, and signed it: From Your Valentine”. Still, it took until 1840 for valentines to become mass-produced in the United States.

So, why not be your own valentine this year? We all could use a little more love in our lives, and what a better way to spend the day dedicated to love than learning to love yourself a little better? Here are some suggestions on how to be your own Valentine.

Write Yourself a Love Letter

    Sound cheesy? Maybe. Will it cheer you up? Definitely. Write yourself a letter as though you were speaking to a friend who needed a pick-me-up. We have no problem telling our friends that they are wonderful, funny, smart, or good looking, but we have one hell of a time turning the mirror to face ourselves. Besides, who’s going to love you if you don’t love yourself? Writing to yourself may seem silly, but it can be incredibly therapeutic and a mood lifter, as well. (And, PS, you don’t have to share it with anyone.)

Decide Today Is the Day That You Start Eating Healthier

    So many of us use excuses as to why we can’t eat better. Cost, availability, or even just plain laziness often get in the way of living your best life. When you feel good, you project that joyful energy to the world and you start to attract positive, healthy things into your life. By taking a hard look at the food you eat, you will begin to discover what it is that really nourishes you, and what is just weighing you down. By focusing on health, rather than on your scale, you will find it much easier to stick to a plan, and the results will be long lasting and better than you would have ever expected.

Commit to Exercising

    We all make new year’s resolutions, and usually by this point in the winter, most of us have fallen off the bandwagon of wellness. But, fear not. You can always start anew and what better time to start feeling better than on the day that celebrates love. Love yourself by taking the time to take care of yourself a little bit each day. Whether you take up yoga, join a gym, or just commit to a half hour walk every day, taking care of your body now will ensure that your body takes care of you in the years ahead.

Indulge Your Passions

    Have you ever been friends with someone that just “did” things all the time? They are either taking a pottery class, learning French, practicing the violin or taking cooking classes and you sit and wonder, how do they do that? How do they just “say yes” to life? You can “say yes”, as well. All it takes is a little initiative and letting go of your expectations. If you have always wanted to get into theater, go out for the local play. If you always wanted to run a marathon, start training. The key to enjoying life is to let go of what is expected of you, what you are “supposed” to do, and live your life instead with a little more spontaneity and a little less worry. Who cares what people think of you taking up an art class? A full life is a happy one, so enjoy the varied experiences that come your way.

Tell Someone “I love you”

    The great thing about taking care of yourself is that it opens you up to being kinder to other people. Funny enough, when you are kinder to other people, you end up feeling better, too. So, take today and let a friend know that you love them. Call up your brother or sister and express to them how important they are in your life. Haven’t talked to your mom or dad lately? Valentine’s Day is a great day to give them a ring and let them know you care. Colleague at work seems down? Boost their spirits by saying something nice. A little love goes a long way, so spread the cheer, not only today, but everyday.

Goof Off

    Go fly a kite. No, really, go fly a kite. Put away the blackberry, iPad, or other electronic device you have strapped to your body 24-7 and indulge in a little frivolity, instead. Go to the library and read magazines all afternoon by the window with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Take yourself out for lunch or treat yourself to a box of chocolates. Take in an art show at your local museum. Do something silly and surprise yourself at how much fun you can have just doing nothing. It’s your life, so enjoy it.