Self care, self love.

You seriously owe it to yourself.

 

Valentine’s Day happens next Tuesday.  A day for couples and singles alike.  For best friends.  Or just good friends.  A day to celebrate that crazy little thing called love and the act of loving.  Why is it then that we always forget one very vital thing?

To love ourselves?

Self care, self love.

It’s a divine responsibility.

It’s what you owe yourself, regardless of whether you’re a child of God.  Global citizen.  Wife of John.  Husband to Lily.  Mother of Samuel.  Brother to Kate.  You have a divine responsibility to take care of yourself.  I’d even go so far as to say that you’re honour bound to love yourself.

WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?

Granted, those weekly massages or monthly manicure are wonderful treats but that’s not the sort of self-indulging I’m talking about here.

It’s about knowing when to say “no“.  And not feeling guilty as sin for uttering that word.  Taking the time to recover, recharge, reboot.  Allowing yourself that moment to step away, inhale, exhale.  Investing in wee sabbaticals to clear your mind, to set the course, to forge forwards.  It’s also about leaving.  Staying.

Saying “thank you”  as well as “no, thank you“.

Self love is about asking for more without being apologetic for it.

Rooting for yourself (no, that’s neither bitchy nor selfish).  It’s about listening and investing in yourself.  It’s about being protective and tender and compassionate with yourself.

A L W A Y S

Does it not make sense that in allowing yourself to love yourself, it only serves to increase the capacity within you to love those you hold dear, even more?  Even better?  Self love is indeed a divine responsibility and you do yourself a grave injustice if you elect to decline that option.

On a far less sombre note, please do visit the blogs of these individual ladies to see how they’re intending to dress up for Valentine’s Day.

SHEELA from Sheela Writes

“Love must be celebrated on a daily basis. And not just for your other person but expressed towards everyone you love.  Corny, I know, but really really true.  It just makes life all that much better.”

MONICA from Jersey Girl, Texan Heart

“Hey Everyone!  I’m Monica from Jersey Girl, Texan Heart.  First and foremost, thank you Ada for this awesome collab!  I decided to keep it a little simple and mysterious for Valentine’s Day.  Of course I love dressing up, but sometimes I want to be a little more casual.  OTK boots, a whole black outfit with a pop of red is my way to go this year!“

LINDA from A Labour of Life

“Valentine’s Day in the North calls for innovation in the outfit.  Luckily my New Chic skirt arrived in time to inspire a winter ballerina look.”

ADA from Elegance and Mommyhood

“My Valentine’s day will consist of a half day of work – enter this Rose Quartz (or blush) Midi Dress for a subtle festive pink, which I paired with some fierce black pumps – and spending the rest of the day with my daughter, since my husband is currently not in town. Vivian and I will probably go for a play-date at Chuck E. Cheese, which for that I will be dressed festively comfortable. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! It is a day to celebrate love and not just with your significant other.”

LEE from Wine & Couture

“Wine and Couture is a Life and Style Blog that I started over 4 years ago.  It has grown and changed over the years into a fun and amazing place to style and restyle your clothing as well as investing in classic pieces.  Today I am sharing some ideas on what to do for Valentine’s day that is low key.  Some of these are things my husband and I have done in the past.  Stop by my blog to read more and please leave a comment.”

I’ll be honest.  This dress I’m wearing?  It was styled specifically for this collaboration (thank you, Ada, for having me!!).  My man and I are fully intending to stay home on the 14th, and call for takeout.  For reals.  We feel very strongly about celebrating love and the one you love every single day.  And firmly believe that expressions of the heart ought not to be restricted to a mere 24 hours every 52 weeks, dependent upon the flights and fancies of giant marketing machines 🙂

Don’t forget to link-up too now!!!

Project Sister Act Friday Link-Up will be back this week too.

Love, Sheela

Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps. 

Pretty please?

p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa

I link up here.