Have I Told You Lately that I Love You? | Self-Esteem Therapy in Austin

Whether it’s your most loved or most hated day of the year, Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And rather than waiting for someone else to make you feel good this year, why not take matters into your own hands and show yourself some love? 

We’re usually so busy with our day-to-day lives that we often forget to stop and appreciate ourselves. When was the last time you patted yourself on the back for something you accomplished, acknowledged yourself for a good deed done or told yourself, “I love you”? And when was the last time you made a list of things you achieved, rather than things a list of things you need to do? What if, rather than spending a ridiculous amount of time and money trying to please someone else, waiting for someone else to make you happy or trying to avoid this day altogether (which is impossible, I’ve tried!), you embrace it as a day for self-love? A day to be kind to yourself, to treat yourself to something (small) and to feel really good about it, to feel really good about you. Sounds lovely!

So how do you do it? Well, first you have to commit to yourself that whether you’re coupled or not, you’re going to spend the day basking in the glory of you. This can be really hard and it’s something I work on with my clients often in self-esteem therapy. Then think about something that you’ve been wanting to do, see, experience, eat/drink, feel and find a way to make it happen. I’m talking about that almond cookie that makes my mouth water every time I think about it or that early afternoon yoga class that I’ve been trying to make for months. Something small, sweet and attainable and something just for you.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started if you’re stuck. Treat yourself to:

-       a massage

-       a dessert

-       a movie

-       a piece of clothing/jewelry/accessory

-       a mani/pedi

-       a meal at your favorite restaurant

-       a concert/show/performance

-       a workout

-       flowers

-       a day off from work (if you can afford it)

-       a workshop/class/seminar

-       a piece of art

-       sleeping in

Take some time to think about it. Then commit to yourself (because you’re soooo worth it!). If you plan in advance, you have a better shot at making whatever you chose a reality. However you choose to celebrate you’re amazing self this year, I wish you a (self-induced), love-filled Happy Valentine’s Day!