I looked back at the past couple of Valentine’s Day posts on the blog. after a trip to NYC last February for Billy’s birthday, I published my snowy valentine, remembering the beginning of my relationship with Billy, and the first time he told me he loved me in Central Park. a year later, we now live here, and we went to Central Park last Saturday on a bright, sunny day to check out the snow.
of course Billy is my Valentine – every day. I tell him and show him that I love him. every relationship takes work, but he’s the love of my life so in a way it’s easy. you know what’s not always so easy for me? loving ME.
the relationship we have with ourselves can be complicated and challenging. after all, we are with ourselves all of the time! but I truly believe that self-love (not just acceptance, but genuine love), is crucial for us to thrive in our relationships and endeavors. if we love ourselves, we spread that love to others.
so boost yourself up. give yourself plenty of compliments, and be gentle with your heart. get excited about who you are and the gifts you can offer the people in your life, and the rest of the world. love is a chain reaction that begins within each of us.
if I start my day with kindness and love towards myself – hot tea, a workout or some yoga (or maybe sleeping in), and a nourishing breakfast – I’m going to pass that love to Billy. then I’m going to pass that love to my doorman, to the lady checking me out at Whole Foods, to strangers on the street (smile!), to my co-workers, etc.
by loving ourselves, we love others. so there’s no reason to think of self-love as self-indulgent. it’s a critical part of a happier world. I’m off to take my own advice…
sending you love today, whoever and wherever you are!
xoxo
Sending you love, too!
Right back atcha, beautiful! xoxo!
<3 TO YOU!
Beautiful message.
I lvoe this!! This is beautiful and I ALWAYS love what you say about Billy and your marriage, so honest, loving but also transparent. IT isn’t always perfect but it is worth it. XOXO! And ((hug)) to myself and ((hug)) to you my friend!
Beautiful post and I’m not just talking about the photos. You always seem to say just the right thing at just the right time. Happy (late) Valentine’s Day!
thank you for this sweet reminder
xo
LOVEly post! It is so true that, unless you’re giving yourself the proper love and attention, it’s really difficult to bestow the same on anyone else. My husband inspires me in many ways, but one of the most profound is that he makes me want to love MYSELF better and in turn be a stronger, more peaceful person. It is such a blessing to find your kindred spirit!