This year be your own Valentine.
You will always hear me say: The most important person in your life is YOU.
People get hot mad when I say that. They’re like, “What about your kids? Your husband? Your blah blah blah?”
Nah. The MOST IMPORTANT person in your life IS YOU. And this is something that should be celebrated and embraced. Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays because I LOVE love.
And because Valentine’s Day is about love, if you find yourself alone on Valentines day (and even if you’re not), the day should be used to celebrate the greatest love of your life: you.
There is nothing sexier and as “bad bitch” as someone who is their own Valentine. It gives Cher’s “Mom, I am a rich man” vibes.
10 ways to be your own Valentine this year:
1. Take Yourself on a Date
I am the queen of solo dates, and I think taking yourself out on Valentine’s Day is chef’s kiss. Whether it’s catching a movie, taking yourself to high tea, trying out a restaurant you’ve been eyeing, or exploring a museum, spend quality time with you. Doing something new solo can feel scary, but it can also be incredibly empowering. Nothing says “Not only do I love myself, but I am comfortable AF with myself” like going out in public and having a damn good time alone. The person you’ll be sending the most powerful message to? Yourself. When you start to enjoy yourself and treat yourself to good things, your mind starts to listen.
2. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day (Out or At Home)
You know your girl loves to treat herself, and there is no better way to show yourself some Valentine’s day self care. Book that massage you’ve been putting off, or go do some contrast therapy (a personal fav).Trying to save some $$$? Create a spa vibe at home with a bath, face masks, candles, and soothing music. It doesn’t matter what it looks like—what matters is that it makes you feel good.
3. Make Yourself a Romantic Dinner at Home
Full disclosure, I am not a fan of cooking. HOWEVER, I absolutely love when someone cooks me dinner. Nothing says “I love you” like slaving away in a hot kitchen. And if you are a cooking lover, give that love to yourself. Cook (or if you are me, order in) your favorite meal, light some candles, and set the table like you would for a special guest. Bonus points if you set the table with flowers!
4. Buy Yourself Flowers or a Small Gift
As Miley Cyrus says, “I can buy myself flowers!” And as someone who does this all the time, I concur. I LOVE to buy myself flowers, and if this is your jam, you should too. Pick out a bouquet or a thoughtful gift just for you as a symbol of self-appreciation on the day of love.
5. Do Something You Love All Day Long
For me? Playing my Nintendo Switch and FINALLY beating Mario Sunshine would be the highest act of self-love. Or binge-watching a backstabbing reality TV show while I puzzle. Or rereading my favorite book. Maybe your thing is knitting. Maybe you love to write or play piano. Maybe, like me, you just want to indulge all day. Whatever it is, you deserve to have a day that is full of love for yourself.
6. Create a Vision Board for Self-Love
Make a vision board filled with images, quotes, and symbols that represent self-love and nurturing. Use it as a reminder of your goals and intentions for the year. If you need materials, check out this and this.
7. Have a Digital Detox Day
Let’s face it, the news is depressing AF these days. Add Valentines days post to all the doom and gloom you already read about? No thanks. Unplug from social media for the day and focus on being present with yourself. It’s a great way to tune out external pressures and tune into what’s most important: you.
8. Write Down Things You Forgive Yourself For
V-Day can be a seriously heavy and sad day for a lot of us. Self-love isn’t just about treating yourself; it’s about healing, too. Write down past mistakes or regrets you’re ready to release and practice self-forgiveness. Letting go of the ghosts from past relationships helps us make room for love and growth.
9. Take Yourself on a Nature Adventure
Hopefully, you live somewhere you can do this (unlike me, freezing to death in Chicago). Studies show that being surrounded by nature is really great for us. Since we are all about showing ourselves love, go for a hike, visit a botanical garden, or take a stroll in a local park. Let yourself feel love while also grounding and rejuvenating yourself.
10. Write a Love Playlist for Yourself
I LOVE making playlists that make me think of the people in my life. But making a playlist that reminds me of me? It’s already been done and is one of my favorite things to listen to. Curate a playlist filled with songs that make you feel confident, loved, and unstoppable.
Valentine’s Day is about LOVE, and that includes the love we have for ourselves. So, whether you’re single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, remember: You are the most important person in your life. Celebrate yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and let this Valentine’s Day be a reminder that self-love is the most powerful love of all.
How will you romance yourself this Valentine’s Day? Share your self-love rituals in the comments below!
Xoxo, Lupe Love
