5 Love Letters to Love Yourself a Little More

I love my clavicle.

OK, I know it’s weird to love your collarbone, but I love mine.

It’s why I prefer V-neck sweaters over crewnecks or turtlenecks. Those tend to make me look like a no-necked… turtle.

There I go again, hating on myself.

You see how easy it is to do that?

It’s hard having a harsh critic living in your head. We Judge Ourselves way more than we’d judge anyone else.

If you can relate, it’s time to Fire Your Narrator.

So this Valentine’s Day, I’m steering clear of the self-indulgence of stuffing myself with chocolate (see corresponding visual) and, instead, will take the time to remember all the ways and reasons why I should love myself.

And I encourage you to do the same.

How? How do we do that when we’re so accustomed to being hard on ourselves?

Put down the Valentine’s Day candy, Candy, and grab your favorite journal or a blank sheet of paper.

Write a little love note (or 5) to yourself:

WRITE YOUR LOVE LIST OF YOURSELF –

Take 60 seconds and write down as many of your admirable qualities as you can, without making corrections or critiques. No one but you needs to see this list so if you want to talk about your quirky sense of humor, your love of cheese, or that lovely clavicle bone, go right ahead. Give yourself permission to see how much there is to love. Maybe you are due a reappraisal?

WRITE YOUR LOVE LIST OF WHAT YOU LOVE  – 

Consider things you love – the pets and people and projects that make you happy. I love nothing more than curling up in bed with a good book, a cup of coffee, and my two tabby cats, Daisy and Elly. Knowing that something so simple can bring me such great pleasure makes me love it all the more and, in turn, love that I love that. Listing what makes you happy has the bonus of making you happy. What do you love?

SEND SOME LOVE FROM THE PAST –

What would your younger self say to the grown-up you? Undoubtedly she’d be impressed with all she’s experienced, done, accomplished, and survived. Acknowledge and love the journey that got you to where you are today.

SEND SOME LOVE FROM THE FUTURE –

What would your future self say about the person you are now? She’d likely tell you not to waste any more time begrudging your thighs or avoiding adventure or forgetting to apply sunscreen. Appreciate and love the opportunity to be who you are today.

TRADE LOVE LETTERS WITH YOUR BESTIE –

See yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you, through that cheerleader who always cheers you on. Trade, tear up, say thanks. 

So, how about you?

What do you love about yourself?

What do you love that you love?

What would you want to look back upon someday and wish you noticed enough to love now?

Make this a day to be sweet and share some love with…  yourself.

And then make that the theme for the rest of the month, the year, your life…

Every day is a good day to feel the (self) love!

Valerie Gordon is the founder of career and communication firm, The Storytelling Strategist. A former award-winning television producer, she helps high-achievers with the storytelling skills necessary to ascend the leadership ladder at work and create successful and satisfying next chapters.