It’s the month of love, Valentine’s season. This time last year, I don’t think we were expecting to be heading into a year of major changes. Very quickly, visiting with our friends and relatives was not a safe practice anymore. Social distancing to keep each other safe has made many of us realize how important our relationships are, how warm a hug truly is, and how much the support of our loved ones enhances our overall wellbeing.
For those of us who live alone, we’ve really had to fight hard to not let loneliness set in. How do we fend off the feeling of isolation while we are actually physically isolating ourselves? Thank goodness for the technology available to us for keeping in contact with others. But also, we have to rely on ourselves to stay bright when the world seems dark.
For those of us who have families, we are getting plenty of face time with our household members. We’ve learned to make compromises and sacrifices, as well as practiced tolerance and acceptance. If children are a part of the picture, being a parent has pushed us to give and to endure more than we ever knew we could.
In either situation, living alone or with others, the need for space, self examination and self appreciation has never been more important. How many times have you questioned your sanity or wondered how much more you can endure before you reach the tipping point? Rather than focusing on the stress we are shouldering, let’s take a moment to pat ourselves on the back.
Our existence means something to many others, and your life is valuable. How much do you love yourself and your life? How much time do you make for yourself to reflect on these questions?
If you maintain a journaling practice, I encourage you to focus on self-love this month. And if you don’t journal, I urge you to give it a try. Here are some journaling prompts that are focused on YOU.
- I am grateful for today and for…
- Today, I am proud of myself for…
- My breath is precious and keeps me alive. My breath feels…
- The one trait of mine that’s been keeping me strong is…
- I am making good progress in…
- I am here for _______. They need me because…
- This week, I will do this for myself: _______. I deserve it because…
You’re doing great. I hope you realize it. Let your light shine and brighten your world, on whatever scale you choose.