Look at the person you were two years ago… Now look at the person you were a year ago. Now, Look at the person you are today. See the difference? See the growth? See how far you’ve come and the accomplishments you’ve achieved? The goals and obstacles you conquered. You didn’t think you would be where you are today back then, did you? Nor did I.
Two years ago, I was going through my first break up with my first love (and it was epic). A year ago, I thought I met the person who I’d love for ever. He ended up breaking my heart (obviously). Today, I KNOW I found the love of my life - ME! I found ME. And that love is powerful. But it can be harder than loving another person. To allow one’s self to be selfish and love thyself, for all the crazy, stupid things we/I are and hold. All the imperfections I struggle with daily. All the things I wish were different in myself and, to be honest, hate about myself.
It’s funny the pattern I have here.. Gets heartbroken and two weeks later, the day of celebrating love is upon us. But maybe what the universe was trying to tell me, was to LOVE MYSELF. To choose ME. To find happiness within ME. Not looking for validation from someone else. Not finding someone to fill the emptiness inside of me. But to take a look at myself in the mirror and say, “I am enough. I am worthy of my own love. I love me.”
Choosing to love all these parts of me, and accepting them as they are. That’s real love. Because, if I don’t love and accept these parts of myself, how can I expect someone else too? But I can love someone else’s imperfections and insecurities and not my own?! That’s messed up when you really think about it. SO, This Valentine’s Day, I choose ME!
To all the women out there who are celebrating self-love, here are 5 of my favorite self-love gifts you can try too…
-- Get yourself a massage
-- Take yourself out to dinner (or lunch or coffee)
-- Take yourself to a yoga or dance class.
-- Or even going for a run or a hike - something active to get your endorphins going)
-- Go get your nails done (a mani/pedi is always SUPER satisfying)
-- Sing and dance along to your favorite playlist. Let the neighbors hear you!!!
xo Irena