Valentines Shmalentines

I am not a fan of Valentines Day. It feels contrived and silly. If I love someone, I do not wait for a calendar to direct my expressions of love. I hope that those I love feel loved each and every day. I am, however, a fan of love. And what I have learned after a half of a century is that most of us spend all our attention on loving our family and friends and not much energy on loving ourselves. In the spirit of Valentines Day, I am choosing to take the day for me. It has taken quite awhile to learn that I am the only one who could love me the way I need to be loved. I know better than anyone what my needs, wants and desires are. And what's more important is that I realize that if I do not choose to include self-love in my life, I end up feeling spent and resentful. It is essential that all of us make space to truly take care of ourselves. If that means quiet time, a walk, a bath, a shopping spree, a workout or an afternoon doing all of the above...do it!! Spoil yourself! Let the very core of your being feel your love. And then, go back to nurturing and caring for all those you love, feeling refreshed and full. This Valentines Day, love yourself first.

Renew Bodywork Center for Wellness, offers gift certificates for massage and Couples Massage on Valentines Day only. www.renewbodywork.net