Looking forward into February, there are many different holidays, daily, weekly, and monthly. We observe Black History month, American Heart Month, and others. There’s Presidents’ Day, we get that day off as a bank holiday, Groundhog’s day and that is shared on February 2nd with Self-Renewal day. But noted, there is the most popularly celebrated day of Valentine’s Day. Typically, we do not get off from work on Valentine’s Day, but it’s a day that many people look forward to, and some people do not. It brings joy and stress. Since my teen years I felt the need to share love and care regardless of 2/14, coined as the day of love.
I joke with family, friends, and loved ones and say we can celebrate February 14th if you want but I want to make sure that I give you something on March 14 or 15th. They look puzzled and reply “What is that day about?” I usually reply with “Nothing, it’s not a holiday, but why not celebrate our care for each other on that day or any other day of the year.” My objective with my family is to make sure that we don’t just celebrate loving and caring for others on one day of the year, but all year round.
The same goes for self-love. Self-care, self-love, selfishness, they seem to be buzzwords or trendy themes, but have always been important. The phrase “You can’t pour from empty cup” usually refers to those who are loving and caring for others, can’t give more than they have. It is important for us to care for ourselves in order to be there for others and this doesn’t mean a spa days, vacations or shopping sprees, but more about the words we say to ourselves. Being kind to ourselves, gratitude, praising our good works, using encouraging words when we’re feeling down, sad, or overwhelmed. Taking time to enjoy the moments like sipping hot tea or coffee and enjoying the flavor. Capturing the moments that we are laughing and sharing time with friends and loved ones. Enjoying the smell of a candle, lotion, or shower gel as we deeply inhale and exhale the fragrances that bring us joy and peace.
This is just a reminder that for us to care for others, we must fill our own cups. Not just for one day on February 14th, but all the days that we can be there for ourselves as well as others.
I hope you take time to enjoy “you” every day.
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