The Gift of Gratitude – Our Year at the Future Toolbox
Mark Kennedy
25 December 2024
What better gift is there than a whole year of great moments to reflect on? We’ve done it, a whole 12 months
As we hit the month of February, there seems to only be one thing on everyone’s mind. Love. There are hundreds of displays covered with hearts, roses and chocolates – all focusing on Valentine’s Day. However, this year, let’s divert our attention just a bit. Instead of just thinking about the love we have for others, why not also consider the love we hold for ourselves? Let’s start loving the real you!
Comparing oneself to others has become as traditional as a box of heart-shaped chocolates. We’re continuously bombarded by picture-perfect lives on social media, relentless standards of success, and unattainable ideals of beauty. The resultant feeling? Inadequacy. Here’s where we need to step back, take a deep breath, and remember this: every individual is unique. Celebrate that! Isn’t that what love is? Embracing individual uniqueness and quirks? Then, why should your own be any different?
Remember, your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. Instead of trying to fit into the mould set by society or people around us, choose to love yourselves as you are. This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to stop the comparisons, to burst the bubble of societal pressure, and to cherish the person staring back at you in the mirror.
The truth is, there will always be someone who’s better at something than you are. But that doesn’t make you any less capable or impressive than someone else. Embrace your individuality and unique self. After all, there’s only one ‘you’ in the entire world. Isn’t that a fantastic thought?
Instead of getting tangled up in the comparison trap, let’s shift your focal point. What are the things you love about yourself? Accomplishments you’re proud of? Your dreams, desires, and passions? When you compare yourself to others you are obscuring the reality of your own brilliant self.
Loving the real you is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous efforts and conscious decisions. Just like any other form of love, self-love needs to be nurtured, grown, and celebrated. So, how about making self-love your Valentine’s Day resolution?
Be as kind to yourself as you’d be to a dear friend. Forgive your mistakes, embrace your flaws, and appreciate your qualities.
Positive affirmations are a game-changer. They boost self-esteem and reinforce self-belief. Start each day by reminding yourself just how incredible you are. Affirmations are the love letters you write to yourself.
Not every day is going to be perfect. And that’s alright. Accept the ebbs and flows of life and give yourself some grace.
I’m sure you’ve heard the term FOMO – it’s the Fear of Missing Out. We all seek out belonging, social approval, and acceptance. So when we feel like we are missing out it can be painful as it can leave us feeling unfulfilled or inadequate.
What you may not have heard so much is JOMO, which stands for the Joy of Missing out. It’s all about reconnecting to simple pleasures and enjoying your own company. Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, and what better occasion to celebrate the love you have for yourself?
Here’s a simple idea: treat yourself as you would your Valentine. Indulge in your favourite meal, take a long relaxing bath, or curl up with that book you’ve been meaning to read. Embracing little moments like these is a great way to get rid of FOMO and practice self-appreciation.
Remember, self-love is not an isolated bubble. It connects and interacts with the love we hold for others. By loving yourself, you are better equipped to love those around you. You’re able to give compassion, kindness, and love from a place of abundance rather than scarcity.
Detach yourself from the societal matrix that glorifies perpetual comparison. Revel in your individuality, and let self-love be the mantra. This Valentine’s Day and every day after, promise yourself to be your own favourite person. After all, there’s no love quite like self-love.
So, here’s to loving the real you. Because you, just as you are, are more than enough.
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