Happy valentine's day!
The commercial side of Valentine's Day places an emphasis on flowers (more specifically roses), chocolates and a romantic evening out. But love isn't relegated only to romantic partnerships!
There is the love between family members, especially that unfathomable bond when a parent first holds their newborn baby. There is the love between friends - those longstanding friendships that are reliable, trustworthy and irreplaceable. And of course there is the love between people and their furbabies. It is an unconditional sort of love - comforting, playful, soothing and ultimately heartbreaking as the life of a pet is so short in the grand scheme of things.
And then there is the most challenging love of all....self-love.
We work often to the point of exhaustion. Just one more deadline to meet. Just one more project to get off the ground and then I can take a break.
Is there a parent out there who does not relate to this? You come home from a gruelling day at work. Your feet ache and you forgot to thaw the chicken for tonight's supper. You check your kidlet's schoolbag and discover that the school is having a bake sale/fundraiser/class partiy and you need to whip together something for your wee one to share tomorrow. It should be healthy and take into consideration numerous food allergies. A quick dive into the cupboard is not inspirational. Would chocolate dipped strawberries be a welcome treat for a Grade 2 class?
Social media and instant, constant access to newsfeeds can be overwhelming. World politics have become increasingly nasty. Neverending posts about cruelty to defenseless animals and children, natural disasters, terrorism, and climate change marking the end of days can portray the world as a dark and dismal place. What can we do to facilitate a change?
If you want to make a positive impact, a positive change in the world, you first have to make positive changes in how you take care of yourself.
Nurture your body with real food from your local farms, not chemical-laden fast foods. There's nothing wrong with fast food on occasion but don't rely on it as the backbone for your nutritional needs.
Try to set a consistent sleep schedule - a challenge I know especially when you have children. But do your best as proper sleep habits can affect your emotional wellbeing, mental and metabolic health. It can help to boost your creativity. Lack of sleep can even contribute to Alzheimer's Disease! Get a wool-filled comforter or wool blanket to help regulate your body temperature for a great night's sleep. If you have a memory-foam mattress, use a wool mattress topper to avoid night sweats.
And finally - take some time to feed your soul! You know what works best for you. Is it that early morning cup of coffee before the world (and household) comes to life? Maybe it's coming out for "Ewe Love to Knit Night" - a couple of hours every week to indulge in your hobby and enjoy some laughter with fellow knitters. Perhaps it's a good book and a warm lavender-scented bath at the end of a busy day.
On Valentine's Day, be sure to make time for some self-love. By taking care of ourselves, we will have the physical and mental wellbeing to share love with others. Where there is love, there is no darkness.
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