Valentine’s Day romantic hype has a way of exacerbating a sense of aloneness. We shut down Ed Sheeran, Enrique Iglesias and Barry White for the day and hope the gym we go to is smart enough to do the same.
The danger comes when we stuff down a box of chocolates or hit the Ben and Jerry aisle to fill the void. Why? These are momentary pleasures that can make us even more miserable, remembering we wouldn’t be doing this if we were wrapped in someone’s arms.
Now, as a health coach, I don’t place taboos on chocolate or ice cream ever. It’s just that eating them to stuff pain or distract ourselves from pain or loneliness is not the time I say to go for it. Rather, when you’re feeling really good is the ideal time to take a taste, because then it won’t be a box or a carton you’ll be eating. See the difference?
Don’t Ignore Sweetness
That said, I wouldn’t suggest for a moment that any of us should do without the experience of sweetness on Valentine’s Day, or any day, for that matter. It’s just the what and the how you get that luscious moment of pleasure that matters. Take time for yourself and appreciate all that you are and all the joy you have given to those around you.
I have 3 ideas for you to make Valentine’s Day a sweet one for you:
1. Find your favorite place and experience it
1000 miles away? Visualize it. Drop yourself into an easy meditation and smell the smells of that favorite place, virtually “look around” and take in the scenery. Remind yourself why you like it so much. Experience the essence of it from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. Or go to that favorite sanctuary. I have one right in Westwood. Where is yours?
2. Make yourself your favorite meal
Love Chilean sea bass like me? $24.99 a pound? So what! You deserve it when you want to feel especially cared for. Pair it with fresh vegetables and a glass of your favorite wine and savor it.
3. Affirm yourself through journaling
Make it all about gratitude. Write about the amazing experiences you have had in the love department and what you envision going forward. We know it is never too late.
All of these actions will bring you a sense of sweetness and care. After all, that’s what we want from any relationship, so why shouldn’t we be giving it with ourselves?
What’s one thing you will do to feel that sweetness?
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