So Valentine’s Day has come and gone. I’m sure those of us who had a special someone are still recovering physically and financially. However, that is NOT the case for moi! My phone is so dry it won against the desert in a “least habitable place” contest. No offense to my desert dwellers. However, this space taught me something. I’m alone, but not lonely.
This Feb. 14th, I learned to love myself, and pour into me what I would want from others. In other words, I pampered TF out of myself. Unapologetically, of course. So how does a twenty something year old QPOC who also happens to be a professional pamper herself? Why, read on my dear, I’m dropping nuggets, and they’re made of gold! Honestly, this was the best vday I’ve had to date, and it was all because of me!
1. I made myself breakfast in bed
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take care of yourself first and foremost by having a hot meal ready and waiting for you when you wake up this Valentine’s Day!
How is it possible to give yourself breakfast in bed without getting out of bed to make it first? With a Crock-Pot, of course! These appliances are an amazing invention that makes cooking ridiculously simple. Your food cooks slowly while you go to class, study or even sleep.
The night before Valentine’s Day, throw the ingredients for your fave morning meal into a Crock-Pot and let it cook slowly overnight. When you wake up, your food will be warm and ready to eat!
2. I healthily spent the day with w/ IG and Netflix
I’m not one to oogle over celebs, unless it’s Rihanna, she can get WHATEVER she wants. However, I’m all for individuals utilizing their talents and gifts for monetary gain. So I spent the day going to each of my girl crushes pages and leaving a thoughtful and positive comment under their pics! I even got some awesome ladies show love back!
I also spent the day looking for and binge watching new Netflix releases, like my new fav, The Umbrella Society. I’ts like a Kids Next Door/ X-men mashup complete with ghosts, superpowers, time travel and a race to save the world, who wouldn’t get totally hooked!
3. I soaked in a bubble bath
Today’s fast-paced world leaves little time to just sit back and relax, and, to be honest, you’re probably long overdue for a luxurious bubble bath.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to remedy this situation. While showers are super convenient, nothing beats soaking in a hot bath for an hour or two. This fragrant pink bath bomb ($5.25 at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics) will fill your tub with tiny hearts and cute flowers, turning the water a soft shade of pink (perfect for the holiday!).
Light up the space with a few heart-shaped tea light candles ($11.98 on Amazon), or choose your favorite scent from Pacifica’s collection of three-ounce soy candles ($6 at Pacifica) to add a touch of fragrance to the air. Take your favorite book with you to get lost in, or just close your eyes and let the water soothe you.
If you don’t have access to a bathtub, you can still give yourself a relaxing spa day. Focus on your hair, skin and nails – things that can be easily rinsed in the shower. There are easy treatments you can do yourself using ingredients that can be found at your campus store. After a face mask, deep conditioning treatment and relaxing mani/pedi, you’re sure to feel more refreshed than ever this Valentine’s Day!
4. I took myself on a shopping spree
If there’s something you’ve been eyeing but holding out on for some reason, give it to yourself as a Valentine’s Day present!
Even if you’ve ben cutting back on frivolous purchases, we all need a little gift to ourselves every now and then. Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a while. Maybe it’s time to splurge on a new handbag or find the perfect accessory to go with that cashmere sweater you got for Christmas.
5. I wrote myself a love letter
While you may not have sent or received a love letter since high school, that doesn’t mean this time-honored tradition should fall by the wayside. Why not write one to yourself?
Write a letter that says everything you love about yourself. Maybe it’s your ability to always get those papers turned in at the last minute or how you’re always there for a friend in need. Write about things you’ve done that you’re proud of and the things you hope to accomplish in the future. You can read this letter again later when you need a reminder that you love and support yourself.
If long-form handwriting isn’t your thing, keep the message short and sweet. You can write things you love about yourself on slips of paper and place them in a mason jar. Use these to brighten your day whenever you’re feeling bummed. Writing them on Valentine’s Day, when they’re coming from a place of love, will make these little notes seem that much more special when you read them later.
6. I took myself on a date
This is the ultimate solo Valentine’s Day pursuit – taking yourself out on a date!
You don’t need the company of someone else to enjoy a night out on the town. Get dressed to the nines in whatever stylish ensemble makes you feel the most confident.
Head out to your favorite restaurant and order your signature dish, knowing that no one else is going to be stealing any food from your plate. And you don’t have to worry about sharing dessert, either! Savor that triple chocolate cake all by yourself.
Afterwards, do an activity that you love. Take yourself to see that new French film that got rave reviews. Or go for a solo walk in the park while listening to your favorite music.
7. I Indulged in sweets
If you have a sweet tooth, now’s the perfect time to give in to it!
Try your hand at one of these heart-shaped treats, or bake some delicious Valentine’s Day cookies (and maybe share a few with your single gal pals). Eat a whole bar of dark chocolate, and don’t even think about passing up dessert if you find yourself out on the town – that tiramisu is calling your name, and your name only. You have an obligation to fulfill yourself. This day only comes once a year!
The great thing is, you don’t have to wait until next year to start loving on yourself. Pick a date, one or twice a month where you promise to show yourself some love, unapoloetically! Make sure you tag your posts #lovinmesomeme so I can see all your wonderful ideas! As always, I’d love to hear from you, so sound off below tribe, what are some of your favorite self care rituals?
Until next time,
xoxo
Lucky Monroe 