Gabrielle Farr ‘24, Social Media Manager
In a world that often celebrates romantic love, there is a growing movement to emphasize the importance of self-love and appreciation. This celebration can look different for all students at SLHS. This Valentine’s Day, why not turn the spotlight inward and be your own Valentine? Embracing self-love is a powerful practice that can bring joy, fulfillment, and a renewed sense of appreciation for oneself. Here is a guide on how to be your own Valentine and how to make this day all about self-love:
Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, both big and small. Celebrate your victories, whether they are personal or professional. Recognizing your achievements helps build self-confidence and a positive self-image. There is no such thing as a small accomplishment, and everything should be celebrated. From good grades in the first semester to a passing grade on your math test, both are equally important.
You should pamper yourself with kindness and indulge in activities that bring you joy. From a spa day, a favorite meal from South Lyon Hotel, or a relaxing evening with a good book, treat yourself to something special. It is an excellent way to show appreciation for the person you are. Count your blessings and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Focusing on the good can shift your perspective and promote a sense of contentment.
There are many different ways to practice self-love. If you are new to the idea, you can start by composing a heartfelt love letter to yourself, highlighting your strengths, resilience, and unique qualities. Engage in mindfulness activities that bring you into the present moment, such as meditation or through deep breathing exercises. “I enjoy going to the gym when I am feeling stressed out. It helps clear my mind and stay positive on myself,” junior Joey Karlavage said, working out should be for yourself not for others. Take care of your physical and mental health, ensuring you prioritize self-care routines. Set your phone down for a moment and rejoin with activities you enjoy, whether that is going on a walk, playing basketball, or grabbing a paintbrush. Reconnecting with your hobbies and passions and dedicating time to your interests can reignite a sense of purpose and fulfillment. You can also do something you have never tried before, as finding a new activity can be extremely meaningful. Feed your curiosity and invest time in learning something new. It could be a skill, a language, or a hobby.”my freshman year I was on the jv pom team, and my goal was to work my way to varsity. I would go home and practice almost every single day, and listen to the music whenever I had free time trying to improve myself as a pommer. Now ending my junior year of pom, I look back and realize that I have come such a far way. It allowed me to improve as a person and pommer greatly, and i’m so thankful for my time on the South Lyon Varsity pom team.” junior Ariana Lawrence. There are so many classes offered at SLHS as well, from different art classes and language classes to career development courses; there are countless resources for self-improvement even within the school. Personal growth contributes to a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
You are interesting and important, and you will be treated by others how you treat yourself. Expressing gratitude for your own attributes can be a powerful affirmation of self-love. “Self-affirmation theory posits that people are motivated to maintain a positive self-view and that threats to perceived self-competence are met with resistance. When threatened, self-affirmations can restore self-competence by allowing individuals to reflect on sources of self-worth, such as core values,” National Library of Medicine Christopher N. Cascio said. Start and end your day with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your worth and the love you deserve. Affirmations can be a powerful tool to shift your mindset towards self-love.
Another important step to self-fulfillment is to always respect your peace. Establishing healthy boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-love. Say ‘no’ when needed, and prioritize your well-being. Boundaries protect your energy and create a space for self-care. You are who you surround yourself with, so befriend people who uplift and support you. Cultivating healthy relationships is an integral part of self-love. Cherish connections that bring positivity into your life.
This Valentine’s Day, commit to being your own Valentine. Embracing self-love is a journey worth taking, and it lays the foundation for healthier relationships with others. Remember, you are deserving of love, and the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.
Lyon Life 