By Kelly Rouse
Valentine’s Day will soon be here and before you dive into planning a date with your special someone, here’s a gentle reminder to be sure to give some love to yourself first.
The concept of “self-care” was first coined by the medical community in the 1950s but has exploded in 21st century with expensive spas and countless high-end products promoting “total body wellness.” However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to nourish your mind and body. Try a new recipe and make yourself a healthy homemade meal. Take a long walk in one of our many lovely parks or on our beautiful beaches. Enjoy a free community yoga class or visit any of our incredible local museums (many of which offer discounted days). Pack a picnic lunch and eat it near the water where you might spot a friendly manatee this time of year. Keep a gratitude journal. Or a list is okay, too.
Always remember, that the words you most wish to hear from others are the ones you are most in need of telling yourself. You are beautiful. You are loved. You matter. You are appreciated, forever and always.
–Tahlia Hunter
Remind yourself of what you love about you. Maybe even buy a box of the Valentines we sent each other as kids and hand them out to co-workers – but be sure to save a few for yourself. Carve out some time for yourself, which can be difficult in our demanding and chaotic lives. Savor that first sip of coffee in the morning. Stretch and take deep breaths. Listen to your body and your thoughts. Most importantly, treat yourself kindly. Because that old adage, you have to love yourself before you can truly love someone else, only becomes more important as we age. We are living longer and we have to like who we see in the mirror each morning. And, oh yeah, take good care of your teeth.