Happy Valentine’s Day!
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. ~ Buddha
It’s Valentine’s Day—the day we celebrate love and, therefore, a most fitting day to revisit the kindness challenge. A couple of weeks ago, we made a list of 10 kind acts we would do for others this winter. Today we’re going to switch focus and tune into the most important person in all the world — you. Because, after all, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? You’ve heard the comparisons—you can’t get water from an empty well, you must put on your own oxygen mask before you help those around you. Self-care is not selfish; it benefits those who count on you to care for them.
But also—and this is important—you deserve it. You deserve to be treated well just as much as your partner, your children, your parents, and your friends.
So today’s kindness challenge is to make a list of 10 kind acts you will perform for yourself this winter. Each person’s list will be different, of course, since what makes us happy is probably different. I’m sharing my personal list as a public commitment to complete everything on it before winter is out and to start you thinking about your own list.
- Get a massage.
- Get my nails done—fingers and toes.
- Read a good book.
- Go out to eat with someone whose company I enjoy.
- Take a long, hot shower.
- Drink a latte.
- Savor a good glass of wine.
- Take a nap or sleep in late.
- Eat a piece of high-quality dark chocolate.
- Spend time outdoors.
Your turn
- Are you in? Will you commit to 10 acts of self-kindness this winter?
- If so, what is one thing on your list?
- I’d love to hear any updates on your kindness to others challenge.
I will give myself the bigger serving of Asparagus and not feel one bit bad about it!
That is an excellent commitment–unless you are eating with me. Then I demand an equal size serving.
Not to toot my own horn but I’ve done several things on the “kindness to others” list. I think it makes people feel good, but it definately makes me feel good! (Self serving? Maybe.?)
A movie with popcorn, red vines and Diet Coke is a treat I’ll give me!
It’s a win win! And your treat to self sounds perfect. I might have to add that to my list. 🙂
This is great! I am not very kind to myself, so a little focus on self love seems like a wonderful idea!
I’m glad you’re in. You deserve it!
Great post. Like I always say – Take care of yourself because you’re the only you that you have. Thank you Christie for sharing this post at the Wednesday AIM Link Party. I shared it on my social media sites.
Thank you for hosting!
I’m in Christie because I am a great believer is self-love. If we don’t love and respect ourselves how can we expect others to? I’ll have to think of a list but I would include many from your list as well. Here’s to self-love. Have a great week and thanks for linking up at #overthemoon.
I find self-love has become easier as I get older. Time has softened me–made me more tolerant of my perceived shortcomings–but also I have more time and disposable income to do little things for myself and not feel guilty about it. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
As I’ve got older and gone through my health issues I’ve finally realized that self care / self love is a non negotiable thing to do for myself daily.., As women and mother’s its in our DNA to give & care but for too many years we forget about ourselves.
Love your article Christie ?
Welcome Robyn. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. What you say is so true. I’m glad you’ve come to this important realization. Take care of yourself. You’re worth it.
You are right about kindness. Its so important to show to others and even more important to show it to ourselves. I sent out fourteen valentines and tomorrow I will be attending a class on how to love yourself more.
Welcome Elaine. Thanks for stopping by and joining the discussion. What a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day–learning to love yourself. Enjoy!
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
Thank you Marilyn. What a pleasant surprise. I love Over the Moon and will definitely be linking up again.
Congrats about being featured at Over the Moon 111. I know that self-care and self-love go hand in hand. When we treat ourselves with kindness we have more to love about ourselves. I wrote a blog about this topic too. https://obloggernewbie.blogspot.com/2018/02/be-good-to-yourself-on-valentines-day.html
Thank you Nancy, and welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. Self-care and self-love are lessons many of us have to learn over and over again. I’m off to check out your blog for more inspiration. Have a lovely day!