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A Little “Self Love” on Valentine’s Day

By on Feb 12, 2015 in Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, Relationships
(Photo Credit: istock.com)

(Photo Credit: istock.com)

Valentine’s Day is a festive occasion filled with roses, hearts, chocolates and so much more. With all material things aside, will you take the time to celebrate real true love this day; loving yourself.

There is nothing selfish or arrogant about loving yourself. Many people think that love is something only meant to be shared. It is wonderful when you do love someone else. But don’t let that be a reason to stop loving yourself. A big key to happiness is loving who you are, unconditionally. Self love is the first step to letting somebody else special into your life. If you love who you are, you leave room to be loved by someone else. Never let loving somebody else be a “completion of” you. Let it be an “in addition” to you. In addition to loving yourself, you can truly love someone else.

Valentines Day is often advertised as a day to show your spouse or partner love. On February 14, loving yourself is rarely ever celebrated.  However, how can you love another person without loving yourself first? Self-love is one of the most powerful forms of love that has ever existed. It is the least talked about, but forms  the foundation towards loving another person. When we do not love ourselves, we allow feelings of doubt, rejection, shame, failure and pessimism sneak into our spirit. Am I good enough? Do I deserve to be loved? Who will love me?

We must learn to embrace ourselves unlike any love in the world. When we do this, we realize that we don’t have to search for love when it is already there within us. If extra love comes along, that is great! But that won’t make you stop loving yourself!

For all of those celebrating February 14 with a partner or spouse, may your Valentines Day be as beautiful as the festivities that surround it! And for those who are single on the day of love, remember that you can still celebrate with the beauty of self-love!

About the Author

I am a writer, poet, coordinator, editor, print model, violinist, motivational speaker and published author. I published my first book when I was eight years old. I made my first television appearance on the world famous Apollo Theater, winning first place for the amateur category. I have spoken on CNN Person of the Day, Good Morning America, UPN, NBC and Nickelodeon. In 2002, I spoke at the McDonalds Gospelfest, an annual gospel music and talent festival. I recited a poem I wrote and won first place in the first ever Gospel Poetry Category contest. Along with being a speaker, I also enjoy writing poetry and books. As a writer, I've received the National Organization for Women (NOW) "Young Achiever's Award", the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) Award in Excellence, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Award for Achievement, the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award given by Zeta Phi Beta, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. In 2005, my name was placed on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama, in honor of Rosa Parks' National Campaign for Tolerance. In 2007, I won Seventeen Magazine and Avon Make Your Mark Contest, where they chose one young lady from the country changing the world through her work. In 2013, I was featured in Long Island Woman. As a model, I've appeared in hair and beauty ads, trade shows, NYFW and Africa Fashion Week (AFWNY) and look-books. As a published author, my work has been featured in Scholastic, Ebony Magazine, Newsday, NY Times, Long Island Herald and other publications. I've completed an editorial internship with Conde Nast (Glamour Magazine). Currently, I'm working on my next book due out soon, and I work in Editorial Relations.

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