Self-love has been a buzzword in the cultural conversation for a while now. While we might grapple with what that means for us, it is exciting to know future generations will know how crucial it is and, more importantly, create and sustain practices that benefit them through our example. This Valentine's Day, we encourage you to pour into yourself the way you do others.

Rest & Rejuvenation 

Repeat after me: my productivity does not determine my self-worth.  

Somewhere along the way to adulthood, acquiring and achieving replaced the defining elements of childhood - play, and imagination. Show yourself some love by putting your feet up. Often just the thought can be anxiety-inducing because relaxing is often considered doing "nothing", but it is quite the opposite. Rest is crucial to our wellness. In addition to giving our immune system a chance to recover, during sleep, our brains enter housekeeping mode, moving experiences from short-term to long-term memory in addition to a host of other things. So throw on your Diana Kaftan, put on some white noise or the sounds of crashing waves, and place all worries and concerns to the side. You are more than enough and deserve rest.  

Center What Matters 

You've probably heard this saying before, "when your cup runs over, it spills on those around you." This saying is simple but impactful because when we care for our needs exceedingly well, we can give joyfully to others from a place of love. Not begrudgingly because we're exhausted or resentfully because we haven't made time for ourselves. Life happens, so this might not always be the case, but as we strive to love ourselves more every day, the practice grows. Pouring into yourself is what we mean when we say "center what matters." Do you consider a bubble bath the ultimate reset at the end of the day? Does spending quality time with your daughter in Mommy & Me looks fill you with delight? Do you pull out your face steamer and sheet masks to give yourself a bathroom spa treatment every Sunday? Take care of yourself first. Fill your cup up because you're the only one who knows exactly what you need.

Soften

In our fast-paced world, challenges and deadlines are inevitable, but rushing and stress don't have to be. Softness is a decision that can be built into a habit when revisited daily. It's like a forcefield or mental landscape where nothing can penetrate without your permission. There are many ways to practice softness, like with the voice in your head. When those intrusive thoughts pop up, or you start to criticize yourself, remember you are human, you will make mistakes, and you're still learning. You don't have to be perfect. In fact, you can't be perfect, and that's more than okay. Create a soft environment by lighting a candle, using a weighted or heated blanket, or wrapping yourself in a stretch knit headwrap. Or soften your relationships by deciding to no longer live with your guard up. Set boundaries about who has access to you. Decide what softness means to you and edit your life ruthlessly. 

Take A Risk 

Studies show that humans more readily regret what they choose not to do over actions taken. Long story short - bet on yourself and take the risk. That can look like going bold and rocking Zetwal while grocery shopping, asking out the cutie in your building for coffee, or signing up for a dance class even if you believe you have two left feet. Because why not? The more comfortable we become with trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zone, the more likely we will do it repeatedly. At the edge of our comfort zone is where life opens up. Trust that your intuition won't lead you astray, and stay open. You never know when life will be full of surprises. 

Did we miss anything? How do you practice self-love? And which of these do you plan to make a ritual in the future? 

While you show yourself some love this Valentine's Day, show others how to treat you by adding items from this post to your wishlist and sending it their way.