HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU.. first and foremost!!

Valentine’s Day is the day of love.. romance.. lovers.. chocolates.. sentimental messages.. flowers.. rainbows.. teddy bears.. mushy endearments.. gifts.. jewellery.. cards and public displays of affection.. Right? Right.. this is Valentine’s Day as we know it..

Now that EQ (Emotional Quotient) is such a big thing.. Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating your “special someone” or significant other.. but it is a day for spouses.. partners.. parents.. extended family.. children.. siblings.. friends.. and pretty much everyone else in your life!

Expressing your love for someone is a wonderful thing.. and for people who struggle to actually SAY those (sometimes very difficult) three little words”.. Valentine’s Day is a godsend because what you’re trying to say is pretty much understood without the awkwardness of actually HAVING to say it - in so many small but significant words!

How about you take a slightly different view of Valentine’s Day this year? You go “all out” buying presents.. drafting loving messages and feeling pressurized to “do things properly” to express your deepest feelings to others on this very important day.. BUT.. how about you celebrate YOURSELF this Valentine’s Day? After all, we all know you can’t pour from an empty cup.. so why not do what makes YOU happy this year? Weird? No.. Wonderful? Yes!!

How about you start with looking at yourself in the mirror and accepting yourself and loving yourself just as you are.. without wishing for fairer skin.. a more aquiline nose.. weighing 10 kilos less.. a fuller head of hair? How about you sit down quietly with yourself and by yourself and be grateful for having a calm temperament.. a loving heart.. a generous nature and a positive personality?

 Being your own Valentine first and foremost might sound a little unusual.. but it is essential to remind yourself that you are special.. unique.. and most of all – worthy of love! Give yourself a little love today.. be kind to yourself and treat yourself to your favourite chocolates.. go to your favourite spa for a foot massage.. take that afternoon siesta guilt-free.. and know that you deserve the best that you can give yourself!

At another level.. allow the love you feel flow to others less fortunate and do something for them that is not a daily gift.. organize or sponsor a meal for the underprivileged.. spend some time with the elderly.. reach out to a friend who’s going through a rough time and share a meaningful conversation (while keeping your phones switched off).. When you sit to pray.. give yourself the luxury of a little extra time and just count your blessings.. name them one by one.. and pray for brotherhood peace and love in the world!

Believe that today is a day to love yourself and tell yourself in the immortal words of the singer John Legend in as many ways as possible that

“All of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you”

Love yourself.. share that love.. spread that love.. celebrate that love.. and here’s a very Happy Valentine’s Day to you!!

As always.. thank you for reading.. it means so much to me!!