Valentine’s Day, Love, and self-care have been at the forefront of my thoughts and intentions lately. For me, self-love includes accepting my shadows, and, when I can accept my own it is much easier to accept those of others. It is about knowing me and loving all of what and who I am, then I can do the same for others. It doesn’t mean we have to like everything about ourself or others, however, denying those parts doesn’t serve us either.

For me, love isn’t about giving up some part of me for another’s happiness or forgoing what you want so that your kids can have something else. Yes, sometimes you need to look at a bigger picture, but that picture must include your happiness, too. Sometimes short term sacrifice is a part of love but not the purpose of it.

Slim Spurling’s first concern was always helping others and finding a solution to improve the health of our planet and all living beings. He was so concerned about others that he often forgot about himself. I wonder sometimes if he would still be around if he had practiced better self-care.

I feel the better we learn to practice self-care the more and the longer we can care for others. Self-care is filling your cup so that it can run over into the cups of those around you. It means that you are so content, satisfied, and fulfilled that you have more love to give. When you are happy with yourself, you can give so much more to another. Set healthy boundaries and be a shining example of love, loving yourself and others. This, I believe, is the best way to live a happy, fulfilled, and compassionate life. When you are filled with love there is no space for fear, anger, or hate.

Enjoy feeling loved and keep that feeling in you always!

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Katharina