Learn to Love You

As February rolls in, the world is already gearing up for Valentine's Day, a holiday that's all about celebrating romantic love. But what if we shifted our focus just a little and made this month about something just as important--self-love and self-care?

It's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether it's work, relationships, or the constant pressure to be "on" all the time. But the truth is, if we're not taking care of ourselves, then we're running on empty. February, with its cozy vibes and shorter days, offers us the perfect opportunity to slow down and put a little more love and attention into ourselves.

Self-love is not some fantastical, Instagrammable concept--it's a real, tangible practice that can help you feel more grounded and connected to who you are. It's about showing up for yourself, appreciating your worth, and making choices that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This doesn't have to be some grandiose gesture; it's in the small, consistent actions you take every day.

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is carve out moments of "me time." Life often pulls us in a million different directions but taking at least 15 minutes to yourself can make a world of difference. Whether it's sipping your coffee quietly in the morning, reading a book that you checked out from your local library (wink, wink), or going for a walk, this time is all about reconnecting with yourself. It's an opportunity to breathe, to think, to be still--something that feels radical in today's fast-paced world. You're not doing this for anyone else, and that's the beauty of it. It's purely for you.

There's something that a coworker taught me that resonates with me in my personal and professional life, and that's the power of knowing when to say no. How often do we push ourselves to do things that we don't really want to, just to please others or meet some expectation? Saying no isn't always selfish. It's an essential act of self-care. It's about setting boundaries that protect your energy and well-being. This February, try to be mindful of where you're spreading yourself too thin and practice the art of saying no when you need to. You'll be amazed at how freeing it can be.

Taking care of your physical health is another form of self-love (but please don't push yourself to the extreme or try to reach some unrealistic standard). It's about listening to your body and giving it what it needs. Maybe that's a walk outside, a yoga session, or even a few minutes of stretching. When you take the time to move, your body rewards you with better energy, a clearer mind, and a mood boost--all of which are key ingredients in practicing self-love.

Another aspect is learning how to be kinder to yourself. It's easy to get caught up in negative self-talk, especially when our life isn't going the way that we had planned it, but part of self-love is shifting that narrative and showing yourself the same grace and compassion that you'd offer a friend. If you're feeling down or made a mistake, remind yourself that you're human. You're not meant to be perfect. It's okay to not have everything figured out, and it's okay to take a break.

I'll end this post by saying that self-love is not just about feeling good in the moment. It's about making simple, everyday choices that benefit your long-term health and happiness. Prioritize getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, and finding ways to manage stress. From personal experience, when you prioritize your well-being, everything seems to fall into place easily, and you'll be in a better position to show up for others, too.

So, this February, instead of focusing solely on giving love to others, turn some of that affection towards yourself. You deserve it.

Want to read more about self-love? Here are a few book suggestions in MLC's collection you may enjoy:

• Feel-Good Productivity
  Ali Abdaal
  MLC
  
• The Way of Integrity
  Martha Beck
  MLC
  BARD
  
• The Self-Love Experiment
  Shannon Kaiser
  MLC
  hoopla at MLC
  
• The Power of Ritual
  Casper ter Kuile
  MLC
  hoopla at MLC
  
• Becoming Flawesome
  Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani
  MLC
  
• Find Your Unicorn Space
  Eve Rodsky
  MLC

 

Jessica Parson
Library Services Coordinator