As Bon Jovi once sang in his song, “Living on a Prayer,” “Whoa, we’re half way there!”
We’ve made it to the halfway point of winter. Spring is on the horizon, and love is in the air.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a special day to show our love and affection for one another. By sharing love and joy, we develop a deep spiritual connection. Our divine nature is love. A world without love feels like an empty, lonely place. Nurturing genuine love by promoting the spirit of giving and sharing can heal many broken hearts.
What the world and humanity need now is love, which can form that vital connection, bind us together, and lead to peace and happiness. Everyone knows how much of a powerful force love can be. The experience of love can offer a glimpse of the divine.
Did you know that love is the highest vibration in the universe? Focus on sharing love, and we can raise the vibration in the people around us and in the world. What most people don’t realize is that true love begins with self-love.
As we open our hearts and remind ourselves how important relationships are, the expression of love should also include ourselves, not only our partner, family, and friends.
As we reflect and express our love for one another, don’t forget to include yourself. You are special. We all carry a divine spark within us, much like a spiritual DNA. As we reconnect with that spark, it will show up as a talent, gift, skill, or unstoppable passion that is meant to be shared.
Don’t sacrifice your well-being in order to please others. And never settle for less than you deserve because, remember, you are worth it. Treat yourself with the highest regard and take care of your needs. Self-love will motivate you to make healthier choices in your life, and nurture your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
Accept yourself the way you are and make room for your emotions as you lean into your feelings and get to know yourself better.
Self-love is about showing gratitude. This can help you gain perspective and find happiness in everyday life. Be kind, patient, and compassionate with yourself. Speak kindly to yourself in the same way you would to another person. This will help decrease your inner critic as you challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs.
Remember that you are unique, and there’s only one of you, so stop comparing yourself to others. Allow yourself to make mistakes, for they are the stepping stones that lead to your success. Continue to learn from your mistakes because they teach you important lessons.
In school, they give you the lessons first, and then you get the test. However, in life, you get tested first and then you need to learn the lesson.
Protect your energy by letting go of toxic people. Set healthy boundaries and learn to say no.
It is your prerogative to remove yourself from these people and situations that are draining you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself; it is important and liberating.
Never doubt yourself. Listen to your heart, for it always knows what’s best for you. You need to be true to yourself and always trust yourself.
Learning to love and approve of yourself may be one of the hardest things to do. Some people consider it to be selfish, but in order to truly love and take care of others, you need to take care of yourself first; otherwise you won’t be able to help others or build healthy relationships.
We tend to forget that the most important relationship in our life is with ourself.
Self-love is the foundation for better relationships; commitment and effort lead to open communication, respect, honesty, and trust. It also improves your health, as it lowers stress and anxiety and builds self-esteem and resilience.
Self-love is about self-care. Make yourself a priority, not just an afterthought. As you pay attention to your basic needs through daily activities, you will cultivate healthy habits and a happier life.
On this Valentine’s day, as you focus on the people you love and those who bring joy and happiness into your life, remember to think about the love that you have for yourself and connect with the divine within you.
Love yourself unconditionally. Forgive yourself as you embrace the past and move forward, realizing that you are more powerful than you know. If you make mistakes, be kind to yourself and use them as opportunity to learn and grow.
And like any other relationship in your life, thank yourself for being there and for being YOU.
Make sure you give yourself the love you deserve. When you practice self-love, you will find a deeper reservoir of love to share with others.
Open your heart to love and to the endless possibilities that you can create as you share joy and happiness with your-self, your loved ones, and the world around you.
Take care of yourself.
Antoinette Giacobbe
