How you can celebrate love everywhere and with anyone!

The month of February has everyone thinking about love. We have THE romantic holiday coming up in a few days to thank for that, but love is something we have all around us all year long. We tend to shove love into a box to mean romantic but it comes to us in so many other ways. Today let’s talk about some other forms of love and how to show everyone in your life, including yourself, that love is everywhere.

Time.

Everyone seems so busy these days. Whether it’s work, school, hobbies, children, sports, or any other number of activities, it can be difficult to make time for everyone. However, it’s so important to chisel time out of your schedule to spend quality time with the special people in your life. Whether it’s just taking a long lunch to meet with a friend, a quick Starbucks date with your mom, or even offering to go shopping with your sister when she just can’t find the perfect dress. It doesn’t need to be a big gesture! It’s true what they say, your presence is the present.

Listening.

If your schedule just won’t allow it or you don’t live by some of your favorite people, listening is an easy way to make anyone feel the love. This is a monumental way to show you care about someone. We all know that sometimes our friends and family just need someone to talk to and make them realize that they’re not alone. Take time out of your day to reach out and ask how your loved ones are doing or what they’ve got going on this week. If they talk about an event coming up, put it in your calendar so you can remember to ask them about it after it’s happened. They will return the favor and a cycle of love and connection has begun!

Help.

If we are able, we would all help our friends and family when they ask for it. However, a lot of people struggle with asking for help. As humans we can be prideful. Or other times we just don’t want to be a burden. A great way to show someone love is to pay attention and realize they need help without them asking. Do you know a friend is moving? Ask what day and tell them you’ll be there bright early! Job interview? Offer to do a mock interview with them. Just having a hard time? Do a home spa night, don’t forget the cucumber for the eyes! Helping without being asked is a great way to show that you care!

Self-Love.

The kind of love that most people struggle with is self-love. It is just as important, if not more important, than everything listed above. It doesn’t come easy for some and can be a constant struggle, but here are some ways to show yourself some love. 

First of all, everything above applies to yourself. Make time in your schedule for things YOU enjoy! If you love to play video games, make sure you get time to log in and play everyday, even if only for a little bit. Listen to your intuition and what you need! If you are just exhausted, listen to yourself and take the night off. 

Ask for help when you need it! Easier said than done, but as you would love to help those around you, others would love to help you too! Let them. This is probably one of the hardest ones for all the reasons mentioned above. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. We are all stronger together.

Another way to practice self-love is with a mirror. Whether it’s in the bathroom or a hallway or a compact in your purse, you can use any mirror for some love. Every time (yes, every time) you look in a mirror you should take a moment to tell yourself you are beautiful. It's okay if it’s just in your head but work up to saying it out loud. Other words of affirmation are great here too. Tell yourself you are strong. You are brave. You are worthy. You are enough. You are loved.

If you have some time, really study your reflection. Look at each individual part of your face and say something nice about it. Sometimes being specific can help overcome poor self-esteem. Maybe you love the color of your eyes, your button nose, the curve of your lip. Your eyebrows, your chin, your cheeks, a dimple, a freckle, your smile. There are so many things to look at and compliment. Find pieces of your face that you like and eventually, you’ll see more and more until you love your whole face. You can do the same thing with your whole body. Get a full length mirror and let the love flow! Make this a part of your daily routine and you will feel a difference in your feelings toward yourself. 

Valentine’s day can be a hard time for some. We put so much focus on romantic love that we forget about how many types of love are truly around us. Using these techniques will bring love of all kinds into your life, if you let it. Be a light and show the world what love is all about.