“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. The world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world” by Marianne Williamson
A Day Focused On Love
Every year on February 14th, the aisles are filled with heart-shaped candy, pink and red teddy bears, and an array of rose bouquets. While Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday dedicated to showering people with love, it can also be a day of hardship, heartache, and loneliness. Valentine’s Day can bring up a lot of emotions, despite whether you’re in a relationship or not. For a day that focuses on love, it can actually cause a lot of pressure, unhealthy obligations, and unmet expectations.
Many of us often struggle with feeling worthy of that love, especially those in recovery. Because drugs and alcohol destroy relationships, this day can bring up painful memories, causing many of us to suffer from lingering guilt, shame, and depression. But we can change that narrative. We can love and show love beyond Valentine’s Day. It’s time to take back this holiday and give it a whole new meaning. This month, we are celebrating love, hope, and healing all month long.
3 Ways to Show Love Throughout the Month of February
If you’re looking for ways to show love beyond Valentine’s Day, here are three ways to show love throughout the month of February.
- Practice Self-Love
In order to pass love onto others, we must first practice self-love. When it comes to self-love, there are a couple of different practices that you can implement. First, there are simple self-love practices such as running yourself a nice, warm bath to relax after a long day’s work. Lighting your favorite candle to set your day or even pampering yourself at your favorite salon. These are easy things you can do throughout your week. Then there’s the power of inner healing.
When Dr. Jason Powers and Julie DeNofa spoke with Casey and Kira Arrillaga on Positive Recovery MD, they discussed the importance of doing the inner work to embark on your healing journey. One of the most monumental things Casey and Kira shared about inner work is the importance of reframing the words we use in daily conversation. Saying, “I love you,” when you look in the mirror, speaking affirmations before you start your day, journaling down your thoughts before bed, and even seeking therapy is a great start. By implementing these practices, over time, this inner work will help you embrace your love for yourself. You are worthy of love, and it’s time you start walking in this truth.
- Let Your Loved Ones Know You Care
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with showering your significant other, children, or best friends with gifts on Valentine’s Day. But don’t let this holiday be the only day you let your loved ones know just how much you care. You don’t have to go out and buy the most expensive things or the prettiest Hallmark cards. Passing love on to your loved ones may look different depending on your relationship. The simple invitation to spend quality time with them is all they could ask for. Sending thoughtful texts throughout the week or inviting them out for a hike outdoors speaks volumes. Love shouldn’t be forced, it should come easy and naturally. Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day just because you feel like you have to, but rather, celebrate love all month long because you simply want to.
- Pass Love on to a Complete Stranger
One of the beautiful things about passing the love on is that it helps combat feelings of loneliness. When you give to others, it feels good. If you ever feel lonely or unworthy of love, try extending love to others. The more love we give, the more love we have. Just like you might be having a tough day, the person standing in line at the grocery store or running on the treadmill is probably dealing with their own struggles as well. We never know what other people are going through, and offering a simple act of kindness can go a long way. If you feel compelled, try offering to buy the next person’s coffee or randomly give a stranger a small gift to let them know that they are worthy of love too.
Remember: Love beyond Valentine’s Day extends beyond the month of February as well. Let this month be the foundation for how you express love to yourself and express love to others. This world needs more love, and simply by passing it on to others, the world becomes a better place.
Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Love Through Recovery
Practicing self-love goes beyond Valentine’s Day. If you’re in need of addiction treatment, give yourself the gift of self-love through recovery. We are happy to assist you every step of the way. We invite you to call us at 713-904-4699 to learn more about our 16 locations from Houston to Austin’s Hill Country and our full continuum of care ranging from Detox through Aftercare. Together, we can THRIVE in recovery.