What’s Love Got To Do With It… Everything!

February is celebrated as the month of LOVE! This is the time when we, as a society, find ourselves divided – either embracing it as a favorite month or cringing at the onslaught of pink, red, flowers, and hearts plastered everywhere. This month can evoke a range of emotions, both good and bad, but I believe it’s all about how we interpret the meaning and actions behind love and how we apply it.

In relationships, whether romantic or friendships, some individuals use the term "love" as a tool to control their significant other or make them feel unworthy of love, leading to emotional and even physical abuse.

On the flip side, there are those who shower love on everyone around them but forget to extend the same compassion to themselves. While expressing love in our unique ways is the beauty of life, there's an opportunity for women to embrace self-love through acts of self-care.

Understanding that our families and friends hold significant places in our hearts, it's essential to strike a balance. Finding little moments during the day or week to remind yourself of all the reasons why you LOVE being YOU can make a huge difference in your life and the way you perceive yourself. This practice instills the confidence and courage to disregard what anyone says or thinks about you because the love you have for yourself is a powerful force!

Self-care is not about neglecting responsibilities or the love you have for others; it's about carving out time to indulge in the things you love for yourself as well. This mentality is universal, irrespective of demographics, economic status, or ethnic backgrounds. Whether you have a few bucks left in your “social” spending account or ample funds, treating yourself to simple pleasures like an ice cream treat, a peaceful walk, or a quiet reading nook can make a significant difference.

Self-care varies for each of us, but one thing it shouldn’t be is stressful! Have you ever been excited about a vacation, only to realize how stressful planning can be – ensuring the family has everything they need, setting up your work responsibilities, and getting the house in order? It can feel like the most stressful period until you’re sitting on the beach, sipping your favorite beverage. While I may not have the solution to navigate this chaos before a trip, please comment if you do, what I do know is that regular self-care shouldn’t feel this way. It should feel as natural as taking a shower every morning (which, for some, is a quiet moment of self-care). Self-care isn’t another task to check off your list – It's about listening to your body and heart, providing what they need in the moment to feel your best and show up wholeheartedly for your loved ones.

In conclusion, don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel unworthy of love. You deserve love and much more.

Happy Love Month!

Live You. Love You.