As we dive into the month of February and Valentine’s Day is around the corner, I know a lot of us have love on our minds. Keep doing that! Love on your people! BUT ALSO…let’s give ourselves a little of that lovin’ too. This month I’m going to guide you through some self love challenges to remind you just how amazing you are. Let me tell you more and then give you some links to follow along!
I can’t start a self love challenge without first explaining a little concept that I’m going to call how did we get here? There are 2 very important points that I want to get across so that you understand how these challenges aren’t just little boxes to check off, but intentional moments that will build on each other, leading you to loving yourself more than you thought possible.
(Changing with the Tides by Shelby Leigh)
First, let’s talk about how we fall in love. Think of a person who you love SOOO much. It can be anyone, think…your partner, bestie, mom, cousin, exc. Now take a moment to think about how you fell in love with them. How did we get here? Time together, getting to know each other, making memories, standing by each other. Really, take some time to think through this. Maybe something did happen right when you met but what really got you to the point where you can say you love them THIS much?
Can you guess where I’m going with this? Self love isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time. Time with yourself. Getting to know yourself. Showing up for yourself. These challenges are built to help you do that. At a quick glance you might see “watch the sunset” and think its just about taking in some of nature’s beauty, but its really an intentional moment to quiet your mind and listen to yourself. Its a treat to have a few minutes unplugged, no distractions, breathing and remembering why this life is so incredible. You don’t just walk away with a picture of a pretty sunset (and let’s be real, as much as you want to grab your phone to snap a shot, it NEVER does it justice), you walk away knowing that you spent some quality time with the person you are trying to fall more in love with. So these self love challenges may look like one thing on the outside, but know that they go so much deeper in creating a true foundation for falling more in love with you.
And second, I want to talk to those of you who really struggle with self love. I’m going to ask you the same question. How did we get here? My thought is it could look something like…negative self talk, putting yourself on the back burner, allowing yourself to be in relationships that don’t treat you like you know you should be treated, listening to the lies of society telling you that you aren’t enough. I have sat with so many women who have told me story after story of moments that they realized that this is what got them there. And I’m here to help you remember that you don’t have to stay in that place. You can learn to practice self love, self compassion, and showing up for yourself until it feels like muscle memory. It is possible and it is necessary to fall more in love with you. And you deserve every single drop of love that you can give yourself.
So let’s start with 3 simple self love challenges:
- BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS: What a treat! You may ask, how does something this simple actually help me build my relationship with myself? Well, first of all you need to ask yourself, what is your favorite kind of flower? Or maybe you used to have one but its changed or you want to bring some new beauty into your home. Where do you want to go to get them? Any Trader Joe’s flowers fans here? You could head to a local florist and pick out a custom bouquet OR if you’re anything like me, you love to rescue the clearance flowers at the back of the grocery store. Or maybe you know you’re too busy…get online and have those gorgeous blooms delivered! Once you decide & get the flowers, they get to be an everyday reminder that you showed up for yourself. A little gift that keeps on giving.
- PREP SOMETHING FOR FUTURE YOU: You’ll thank yourself! I love to say “Wow, thank you past Adena!” when I realize I set myself up for something ha! Whether it is making the coffee the night before, cutting up the veggies for dinner later that night, laying out my clothes for an early morning, or filling up my gas tank before I’m in the middle of a rushed day. Start to think about how you can do something to help future you, then make it happen. When the moment comes that you realize its soooo nice that someone took care of that for you, make sure to thank yourself and take a deep breath.
- SCHEDULE A MEAL WITH A FRIEND: Like, tomorrow. We get so busy in the day to day that we rarely have time to stop and soak up the company of people who give us the good life. Think of a friend or family member that you love to be around. They make you laugh, they bring healthy conversation, and when you walk away from time with them, you feel loved & refreshed. Now, send them a text and get a date on the calendar. It doesn’t have to be huge! Happy hour or a cup of coffee. Have them over for dinner & some couch time. And hey, if you are thinking of someone long distance, don’t let that stop you. Pick a new recipe and get on Facetime, make it and eat it together.
Ready for more? Make sure you follow along on instagram for the month of February!
This link will take you to the Blush & Tease instagram (warning:spicy photos on your feed)
