Before February even starts, we are inundated with Valentine’s Day… “decor” — if we can call the hodgepodge of obnoxious, heart-shaped everything that decorates every chain store in anticipation of “the big day”… decor.
But we’re all in different stages of our love lives, and not just as far as romantic love goes, either. We’re in different stages of self-love, and we’re learning how to love ourselves harder every day. Some of us have it down cold, while others spend far too much time listening to toxic societal messages about how women ought to behave. Bitch, please.
If you’re looking for an extra boost in straightening your crown, you’ve come to the right place. Love yourself first by…
Choosing your own personal style.
Sure, go ahead and fantasize about what you’d wear from the latest Vogue — but don’t allow the Miranda Priestlys of the world to become your be-all and end-all. If you make a fashion choice, but you decide that it doesn’t work for you, time to try something else. There is nothing wrong with trial and error when it comes to expressing yourself through clothes! With making your own fashion choices comes the power to not care what anyone else has to say about said choices — a power and a responsibility you are allowed to cherish.
Booking time for yourself.
If you can go on an extended vacation, great — milk that one for all it’s worth. If your schedule doesn’t allow for it, make an appointment for yourself. Yes, pencil yourself into your custom-made monogrammed planner, or if you’re more technologically inclined, your iPhone calendar. If “time for yourself” means quite literally “Netflix and chill” but with gourmet popcorn in bed, alone, in silk pajamas — schedule it. And follow-through.
Surrounding yourself with those who love you as much as you aspire to love yourself.
Even if you don’t feel as though you can fully love yourself just yet, there are likely people in your life who love you as you deserve to be loved — your significant other, your tribe of girlfriends, your parents, your siblings, your cousin whom you’ve been close with since diapers and has the same birthday as you are all options. Let these people be a part of your everyday life. When you doubt yourself, they will remind you what a boss you are, just as you have done for them. Don’t be afraid to ask these people for help.
No matter where you are on your self-love journey, it is important to remember that it is a journey. If you didn’t love yourself enough today, don’t beat yourself up about it — that defeats the idea of self-love! Adjust your crown and move forward. You can do it!