How to write a love letter to yourself

A cup of your favorite tea, a quiet space and time to think...

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection" - Buddha.

In a little over 2 weeks it’ll be Valentine Day.

Touted as "The day for lovers" it’s also a day filled with angst for the unattached.

But what about the other 364 days?

And what about those who are single, widowed, separated, divorced, recovering from a breakup, or any other version of aloneness.

Aren't they also deserving of love and affection?

To be honest, even if you’re in a relationship, it’s just as important to practice self-love — after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

The first time I wrote myself a love letter,

I struggled.

That’s because just like everyone else, it’s easier to say what you don’t like about yourself/what you don’t want in a relationship — than to identify what you love and cherish about yourself.

Here below, are 6 easy steps “guaranteed” to help you write the very best love letter ever — to YOU.

“To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness” - Robert Morley.

♥️ Get some pretty paper and a pen:

Push the laptop aside! -you’re going to the “lowest tech”. This letter is to be “handwritten”- CURSIVE - giving you more time to think about what you’ll want to say. ♥️ Start by choosing a name or phrase (for yourself) that’ll make you smile:

Here’s a prompt: What did your “Granny” call you?

This sets the tone for what comes after. ♥️Recall a memory that was pivotal:

Go into detail, and relive the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the event.

Sometimes you need to remember how awesome you are

♥️ Use words of encouragement:

Talk to yourself about your challenges as well as your fears. Embrace yourself with kindness and empathy.

““Self love is the ability to feel beautiful without needing someone to tell you-Anon.

♥️ Remind yourself that whatever you're going through is transitory:

No matter your current circumstances love and joy is still there for you. Compliment yourself on how far you've come and how resilient you are.

♥️ Say words of affirmation and love to yourself.

You've made it this far and it's not over until you win. Give yourself permission to know you are enough, that you matter, and that you're capable of doing amazing things.

Image: Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

Keep this in mind- you don't have to share this letter with anyone if you don't want to

Place it somewhere you can see it; like in a pretty box where you can read it on the days when you need to remember your "magic".

Try it out!!! it may be one of the best things you can do for yourself this year.