It's almost Valentine's Day. Are you excited? I am. I have always loved this holiday, whether celebrating by myself, or with a significant other. To be honest, I prefer Valentine's Day on my own because my self love practices are on point. There are so many ways to take care of yourself. I definitely encourage you to find a way to show your body and spirit the love and reverence it deserves. Just think, your body and mind are carrying you through this wonderful life we all share. Stumped on how to feel love and warmth? Well, you're in the right place. I've put together four tangible, and practical ways you can pamper your mind and body this Valentine's Day.
1. SPA DAY - Treat Yo’self, boo!
We’re going to start with the obvious one first, just to get it out the way, ladies. It cannot be overstated how lifted we feel after taking time to care for our physical appearance. Facials are relaxing. Having someone tend your dry and overgrown nails is heaven. A fresh Brazillian wax? Please, don’t get me started, lol. Go get one and tell me you can keep your hands off your, ahem, little teacup afterwards. A massage? Yes, please, put your hands on me! But these treatments can be cost prohibitive, so you have to get creative. What do I do when I am in a slump, and need to shake off the haze of stress from work, family, and travel? I take a hot shower with lavender aromatherapy. Give yourself a facial with the million Sephora products you have in your bathroom. Paint your nails, beat your face, and you won’t have to drop serious coin to restore yourself back to feeling like the Goddess you embody. While you’re tending to your appearance and polishing yourself up, pump up the jams. Lol, I’m so corny, I know. You’re just gonna have to deal. Anyway, music is critical to transforming your state of mind. I’m listening to it as I write this. Here’s my little playlist of songs to help you get started in creating your own self care ritual.
Soulmate - Lizzo
I Do - Cardi B.
New Apartment - Ari Lennox
Fancy - Iggy Azalea
She Wolf - Shakira
If You Seek Amy - Britany Spears
Glamorous - Fergie
Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson
2. Reconnect With a Friend
This doesn’t have to be a romantic re-connection. I definitely think romantic relationships have a completely different dynamic when they're over. It's best to leave them that way. Did you think I was going to give you permission to text that someone just because it's Valentine's Day? Ha. I'm never going to be that predictable, girl. Anyway, have you been thinking of a friend you lost touch with a lot lately but haven’t had the chance to call or text? Make the time now. There are a million reasons we may lose touch with those who once had an active and positive presence in our life, but as long as that person is still around it’s never too late to reconnect. Not sure what to say? It’s been that long, huh? No worries, I’ve been there. I have more than one friend who I check in with every two or three months and I’m always worried that it’s been a while, but we always pick back up where we left off. I just address the obvious and say what's on my heart: "hey, it's been a while and I'm thinking of you. Hope you've been well." Friendship transcends time and distance. Trust me, I was a Navy brat and now I’m a Navy spouse, my best friends are all over the planet. You’ll know the lasting friendship when you make one, that’s the relationship I’m talking about. Not the frenemy you want to show off to, lol, not the old boss you want to know you have a great new position. There’s time for stunting on them another day, lol, you’re reconnecting with a true friend and you’ll feel so great after you two have had a chance to catch up and talk. Have you had a Galentine's Day celebration with your best girlfriends before? Galentine's Day is a holiday that was created by Parks & Recreation character Leslie Knopes as a way to celebrate and show honor to the female friendships you have. On the show, Galentine's was celebrated by having breakfast together the day before Valentine's Day (because sisters before misters, amirite). But you don't have to do it exactly the way Leslie and her friends did. Just make it your own and make your friends a priority.
3. Get Involved
I get it, you want to be WITH someone this Valentine’s Day. I’m not going to write this list, and pretend that some of us aren’t sad we aren’t in the romantic relationship we want, or the one we’re in just doesn’t give us what we need. Well, one way I used to forget my own troubles when I needed a reprieve from them is by volunteering with animals. Their little faces cheered me up every time. I could tell from their cuddles and licks that I was sharing my love with them in a way that they certainly appreciated. Call up your local Humane Society and see how you can be of service this Valentine’s Day. Just don’t come home with more pets than you can handle.
4. Start a Fun Book
It doesn’t even really have to be a “good” book, right? Half the time someone says a book is “good” it’s super intellectual, hard to get into, and requires too much reflection. Those are great books for when you want to think and challenge your beliefs. That's not what we're doing this Valentine's Day. We're keeping it light. So, when I say start a fun book, I mean a book that’s good for your spirit. Something that’s going to get you into a mindset of laughter and happiness. Over the summer I was on the road a lot, and found a lot of my favorite actresses have not only written books, but they also narrated the audio version of their book. Omg. Have you read Retta’s book? What about Mindy Kaling? Phoebe Robinson has two books out, and they’ll both make you cackle that deep belly laugh you only get when you’re truly entertained. Grab your favorite cocktail, find a sunny spot, and sit down and read. If you're not into reading when was the last time you put your phone down, and watched some stand-up comedy? Netflix has so many funny comedienne specials on right now. It would definitely be worth it to check them out.
Now, if you put these four steps together you'll have a badass Valentine's Day. You can pick and choose how you implement these tips into your self care, and add them to your own existing routine. Leave me a comment, and tell me how you care for yourself. As always, if you're curious about how boudoir photography can be empowering for you, let's chat! I'd love to be a part of your self care process.
Warmly,
Shannon
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