_edited.png)
With Valentine’s day comes the flowers, candy, and heart-shaped balloons but behind all of that it’s important to remember what really matters within: self-love.
It may sound cliche, but you have to love yourself before you love anyone else, whether that be on a platonic or romantic level. This is something we hear all the time, but it's much easier said than done. Here are some steps you can take in your life to embrace self-love where any other kind of love is simply an addition to your life.
Do Nothing Without Intention.
Being more intentional in life allows you to be more present, expose new passions and goals, and place your values at the center of everything you do. Being intentional serves as a strong foundation where nothing and no one can sway you. When everything is done with intention, emotional intelligence is improved and the mind is cleared, ready to receive the world around it.
Some great ways to practice being intentional includes creating a routine, making a vision board, and journaling — all of which allow you to tune out the noise around you and truly identify your values and what you want from life.
Get to Know You.
Really learn about yourself! Act as if you were dating yourself… What characteristics do you really like? What could you work on? Spend time with yourself as if you would a significant other, and prioritize yourself and time in that way. ‘You time’ when you indulge in hobbies and invest time in what you love is essential to getting to know yourself. To be alone doesn’t mean to be lonely and it’s important to get comfortable in your own company.
In moments alone, identify what it means to you to be loved. What does it feel and sound like? How can you display it for yourself and others? Journaling is once again a great way to learn about yourself and truly serves as a safe outlet to vent, flesh out feelings, and identify things in your life that either serves you or no longer needs to be in your life.
Take Care of Your Body
To take care of your physical well-being means to love yourself enough to give your body what needs. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and moving your body are steps toward self-love and care that both your mind and body need.
Surround Yourself With Love.
Re-evaluate who you are letting into your life. No one should ever have to power to drain you or make you feel less than, so look around at how you allow others to treat you and ask yourself whether they need to be in your life any longer. Really question how you feel when you are around certain friends and peers. The love we accept from others is a direct reflection of how much we love ourselves.
Be Nice.
It sounds juvenile, but be nice to yourself. We can often be hardest on ourselves, saying things we would never say to our peers, friends, or partners. Words have power, so talk to yourself as you would to someone you love. Forgive yourself as you would a friend. Acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate you, being you!
About The Author:
Olivia Marbury'25
EmBOLDen Committee
Comments