Do you remember giving out valentines when you were a child? Can you recall the construction paper-covered shoebox decorated with glitter and doilies, full of tiny valentines and heart candies? Or perhaps the first serious Valentine’s Day gifts you received or your first delivery of one dozen red roses?
Receiving a Valentine’s Day gift is a magical experience. It makes people smile and sometimes even feel a bit giddy. After all, this holiday is not about obligatory gifts. You know the giver cares about you when you receive a Valentine’s Day gift.
While Valentine’s Day is traditionally for sweethearts, it is a day to show the ones you love how much you care. Friends and family routinely send Valentine’s Day cards; even moms get valentines from their children.
ALL ABOUT YOU
Why not take the time to appreciate someone who rarely gets your attention and deserves a thoughtful gift and a few kind words this Valentine’s Day? Someone like – you!
Whether single or attached, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to send yourself a gift of thanks and appreciation. This year, why not be your Valentine?
Where do you factor in your list of things to do each day? Most women focus on meeting the needs of others before taking care of themselves. Over time, depriving yourself of a much-needed break or indulgence can cause you to feel weary and even a little sad. Still, a special gift and some self-care can be just the pick-me-up you need.
Start thinking of Valentine’s Day as a time to celebrate you. Prepare to treat yourself in the same way you prepare to send a gift to your partner or special friend. Be as thoughtful of yourself as you would be of the important people in your life. Carefully planned gifts always stand out, so take the time to consider what you would love to receive.
Perhaps you have resisted buying a special jewelry or a beautiful dress. Maybe you would love to have a day at the spa but have put it off due to time constraints. Even if you are on a budget, there are small indulgences that would make a perfect gift to you. A special lotion you always wanted, a book you want to read, or take the time to view a movie you wanted to see.
Being your own Valentine also means taking the time to celebrate. Take a two-hour lunch break from work and treat yourself to a meal at a nice restaurant. Snuggle up to watch your favorite movie with yummy snacks. Have a long soak in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne. Spend the Day meandering through the cute antique shops you always meant to check out but never got around to finding the time to explore.
However, if you decide to care for yourself this Valentine’s Day, remember to be your Valentine — send yourself a card. Write a thoughtful note to yourself, listing what you love about yourself and why you know you are special. Put the card in the mail, so it arrives before February 14th.
Make being your own Valentine an annual tradition, a time when it’s okay to take time off to take care of yourself. It’s the perfect time of year to pay extra special attention to your needs and desires, have the kind of fun you like, and notice your unique loveliness.
Your Thoughts
Do you feel comfortable being your own valentine? Would it be fun to think of ways to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” to yourself?
Women’s Group Topics
This could be a great topic to discuss before Valentine’s Day. Have fun creating ways to say, “I love me.” Maybe this is a good subject to discuss any time of the year.
Be well,
Pat
“To fully enjoy the ‘richness’ of our lives, we need to stop long enough to visit with ourselves.”
(Pat Brill)
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
Cleaning Out My ‘Guilt’ Closet
Creating Boundaries
Happy For No Reason
Do you want to download a PDF copy of both of these books, then go to:
