Loving Yourself, My Kind of Valentine's Day!

Valentine's day on Tuesday?! Oh I really love the idea of Valentine’s Day, it’s the execution of the day that I am not quite as enamored with. Think about it for a moment, an entire day that is dedicated to the idea of love, being in love, showing your love and declaring your love. It makes me smile just thinking about it! It is the price tag pressure that makes me less mushy; that and the part about desperately trying to find someone to shower with hearts and chocolate even if you are on your own by either choice or circumstance.

Instead of trying to figure out ways to make everyone else happy, try to figure out the things that make you happiest :)

I remember once a friend of mine says, “I can please only one person per day. Today I choose me.” I am thinking that this Valentine’s Day, you should choose your own happiness first before worrying about everyone else. Self love is the best type of love because you will always be there for yourself. You do not have to stress about you leaving or breaking up with yourself. Sure it might sound selfish and arrogant to love yourself more than anyone else, but I believe it's been the key to happiness.

If you are single, tell yourself that you love yourself! If you are taken, you still need to take care of yourself. A relationship is something complementary, not supplementary and I strongly believe that you need to fulfill whatever happiness you need in life on your own and that a partner is just an extra bonus of that.

So to prepare your "Special Day", take time to reflect, journal your thoughts, give yourself a pep talk I actually talk to myself all the time, get hobbies, work on personal development,  do something good for yourself and for others, take a moment to remind yourself of the things that you are thankful for, always be honest with yourself, and focus on the positive.

In case you need a reminder, be grateful, treat yourself right, and LOVE yourself xx

Stay positive around negative people

Many of us have people in our lives who, to put it bluntly, bring us down. Heck, even if we are not always upbeat, if you spend much time with negative people, it can be a drain. If you are regularly exposed to downer influences, their attitudes and moods can weasel their way into your soul and strip you of your well-being and sense of peace. Even your world view can become skewed by their incessant lack of enthusiasm.

Under the influence of a negative person, you might even second guess yourself on important decisions, feel sad, uncomfortable or depressed. 

So how can you stay positive around negative people?

Keep your power. Negative people’s pessimistic outlook can drag down your mood making you feel sullen and cynical. In my opinion, allowing a negative person to dictate your emotions gives them too much power. This means you’re responsible for your mood and outlook, do not let anyone else sour it.

Remember it’s not about you. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from my parents was “it has nothing to do with you.” Negative people are negative; if they’re critical or harsh, they’re like that with everyone. Don’t make it too personal.

Counterattack with positivity. Some people are being so negative simply because they know it can rile you. So, if your boss say, “Those shoes are an interesting choice,” try countering with “I love your top today.” If your colleague constantly complains about the weather, reply with how pretty the sky looks. When some people realize their negativity falls on deaf ears, they may give up the comedowns.

Look for the positive. Even in people who you feel are negative, always try to find some positivity within. Sure, maybe they complain a lot, but maybe they’re also the first to offer to pet-sit when you go on vacation.

Keep yourself busy with positive things and stay away from their negative chats, but do not forget to always be pleasant while keeping a space between you and them. Surround yourself with positive vibes and be positive xx

Reasons to be grateful: the gratitude lists

How many times have you found something irritating today? Did someone cut off on the way to work? Was the coffee burnt? Did someone not reply to your email? Did your boyfriend break his promise? Again?

And how many times today did you find something to be grateful for?

Often times we lose sight of the forest for the trees; we focus on life’s tiny burdens and forget to remain mindful of our blessings. Making gratitude lists can bring us back to the place of natural reflection, where we focus on what is good rather than what is bad.

In other words, when we learn to focus on what we appreciate rather than what we lack, we start to realize how much we have been given. And then we start to give back.

Take some time today, wherever you are and whatever you are doing at the moment, to come up with gratitude list. If it does not come naturally, do not let that stop you from giving thanks. There is still much to be thankful for, if we only have eyes to see.