Valentine’s Day celebrates love for another. I wonder how loving you are towards yourself? One of the most popular blogs on my website is one where I ask the reader to consider whether they are too helpful towards others. Sometimes we give too much and do not leave time or energy to take care of ourselves.
Today, focus on showing loving kindness to yourself. Put some of the love you intend to give to another back to yourself. Has it been a long time since you have done something for yourself? If you cannot remember the last time you took care of yourself, take a moment to contemplate it now. Consider this an invitation to nurture yourself. It really is a necessity to take care of you first and foremost. My motto is, “You are no good to others if you are not good to yourself.” Consider this a requirement if not a necessity.
Ask yourself, “What would I do today if I was really acting in a loving manner towards myself?” What can you do, starting today, to take care of you?
If you have no idea- let me give you some:
- Get physical. Go for a hike or a walk at lunch time. Bike ride or go to a yoga class.
- Play hooky from your normal activity. Take the afternoon off to go to the movies.
- Spend time at the local coffee shop and read the whole paper or a special magazine.
- Do something creative and go to a museum or an art gallery.
- Be restful: Take a nap.
Imagine how you can start caring for yourself now. If you are overwhelmed even thinking about taking care of yourself, take it slow. Think back on a time when you were younger and you did take care of yourself, what did you do then. Do that!
Be loving to yourself this Valentine’s Day. It will help you feel better about yourself and in turn you are better for everyone else.
Kim McLaughlin, LMFT is a licensed therapist (MFC27667) providing counseling services in the Roseville, CA area. Kim McLaughlin specializes in counseling services for people with binge eating, compulsive eating or eating disorders. This blog is not meant to be a substitute for mental health treatment, counseling, or therapy. If you are in need of mental health services seek out a licensed therapist or contact Kim McLaughlin, LMFT for assistance.
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