By Jillian Amodio, LMSW
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”
If you are not familiar with this old song, go check it out. These words really resonate with me right now. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves that love is about way more than flowers, chocolate, and romantic proclamations. It’s about actions that show how much we care. Love is an action, and this Valentine’s Day I encourage you to put love into action for yourself and others.
Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate love—both for yourself and for others—this Valentine’s Day.
Love Yourself!
- Practice mindfulness and focus on the present – Set aside time to slow down, breathe, and connect with yourself. There is a lot going on in the world. Take a moment to connect with yourself and your inner thoughts. Acknowledge your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and desires. Sit with yourself for a moment and connect back with your mind, body, and spirit.
- Enjoy a quality meal – If you like cooking, try a new recipe, or put together some of your tried and true our favorites. Maybe even invite a friend or loved one to create a meal that you can share together. If take out is more your style, order your favorites and enjoy them by candlelight or with your favorite show curled up in a blanket on the couch. Going out is another option. If you have never dined alone, I encourage you to give it a try! It is so luxurious taking your time at a restaurant, ordering what you want, and savoring the sights, smells, and flavors. My favorite way to dine alone is in the company of a good book!
- Take a class or workshop – Try something new. Perhaps a painting class, yoga or meditation workshop, candle making class, dance lesson, pottery, woodworking, or metal working class… really anything that excites you. Learning new things is a beautiful gift of love.
- Indulgent experiences – Take care of your mind and body. Book a massage, facial, or spa treatment, or create an at-home self-care ritual. Wine tastings, personal shopping sessions, mani’s pedi’s, haircuts, tarot card readings, or maybe even a therapy session or two to talk about what’s on your mind!
- Buy yourself a gift – Flowers, chocolates, a cozy blanket, candles, shoes, books, craft supplies, video games, jewelry—whatever makes you feel special. Gifting yourself something special can lift your spirits and remind you that you matter too!
- Write – Reflect on your innermost thoughts with a journal, write a poem, write yourself a love letter, or start on a story that has been brewing in your imagination.
- Get outside – Take a walk in nature, plan out a hike, or even just enjoy a walk around your neighborhood. Take care to notice the sights and sounds around you. If your mind wanders or you just want to lose yourself in mindless enjoyment, try listening to a podcast or audiobook.
- Masturbation & pleasure – Don’t forget the stress relief benefits of self pleasure! Explore self-pleasure and masturbation as a way to connect with your body, reduce stress, increase mood, and boost overall well-being. Maybe even buy yourself a new self care toy for extra fun.
- Take a step back – Take a break from social media and news for a bit. Step back from commitments that are weighing you down, and take a break from obligations and relationships that are causing you stress and strain. Even if it’s just for a few hours or a couple of days, give yourself permission to focus on you.
- Rest – Watch a favorite movie snuggled up in bed, take a midday nap, go to bed early, sleep in, or relax in bed with a new book or coloring supplies.
Love Others!
- They’ve got mail – Getting handwritten mail is not common for many people. Write a note or send a card to a friend, partner, neighbor, community member, or family member.
- Thoughtful tokens – Small gifts can have a big impact. Gift a book, flowers, candy, handmade item, baked goods, coffee, or something else personal to someone you care about letting them know you are thinking of them.
- Plan quality time – Time is one of the most underrated gifts. Who could benefit from spending time with you? A friend, a child, a family member, a neighbor. Plan a coffee date, game night, lunch, or even just a simple walk together. For those who are long distance, play an online game together, schedule a video chat, or enjoy a long phone call.
- Engage in acts of kindness – Pay for a stranger’s coffee, send a surprise delivery, leave thoughtful notes or cards on someone’s windshield in the parking lot, clear a neighbor’s driveway, volunteer at a local organization, deliver cards to a local nursing home, make dinner for a neighbor or family member, or run errands for a friend in need.
- Words of affirmation – Genuine words of appreciation can make someone’s day, don’t underestimate the power of a simple thank you. Thank your partner, friends, family members, service providers etc. Compliments can also be incredibly powerful. Even the smallest compliment or kind word can mean the world to someone.
- Listen– Sometimes, the best way to show love is to simply be there and listen. Let someone share about their day. Ask about what is going on in the lives of those around you and listen with genuine interest.
- Support a cause – What causes are near and dear to your heart. How can you get involved? Raise awareness, volunteer, or donate time or money. Volunteering or donating in someone else’s honor can also be a meaningful way to spread love and make a difference.
Wishing you love and light today and always.
xoxo-Jillian