Note: this piece first appeared in the February 2006 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
Welcome to February! This month is all about red and pink and hearts and flowers. The focus is on love and taking special time to cultivate romance. But in this month of conversations about relationships, we often forget our primary relationship is with ourselves. Nurturing this relationship is as important if not more important than nurturing other relationships. Self-love and self-care are the keys!
I’ve shared my favorite tips for self-care and nurturing for a loving primary relationship below. Challenge yourself to try all five ideas this month — and let me know how it goes!
1. Indulge yourself. Think of one thing you could do in the next 48 hours that would excite and inspire you. What would be really juicy, fun, and nurturing for you? Maybe you’d like to relax in a candlelit bubble bath with your favorite essential oils and a glass of white wine. Maybe you’d love an invigorating walk through a beautiful park in the brisk, chilly winter air. Maybe you’d enjoy curling up in your favorite PJs with a soft blanket, a warm cup of tea, and a great novel. Once you’ve made up your mind, make a plan to do it!
2. Use the good china. Set a place for yourself at a table every time you eat, and use real dishes, flatware, and napkins. Your “good stuff” shouldn’t be reserved for company. You are worth it!
3. Wear your best underwear. In the same spirit as Tip #2, you are worth it! Even if you’re the only one who ever sees it, that fancy underwear can make you feel fabulous. (By the way, this applies to gentlemen as well as ladies!)
4. Journal. Journaling is the most effective tool I’ve found for draining out negative self-talk from your inner chatterbox. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or sentence structure. Just let the words flow.
5. Make a play date. Remember how much fun you had in art class in elementary school? Why not make some construction paper cutouts, crayon drawings, or finger-paint masterpieces? Or, enjoy a special excursion to a playground for some quality time on the jungle gym. Spending time with your inner child is incredibly nurturing and healing!
