Practice Self-Care and Turn Your Love Inward This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a holiday for lovers—filled with romance, declarations of affection, and gestures of love for that special someone. I’ve always adored Valentine’s Day, even as a child. I remember the joy of picking out the perfect Valentine’s cards for my classmates—it was one of my favorite parts of the school year.

As I grew older, even as a single mother, I continued to embrace the holiday. I loved spoiling my daughters with chocolates, helping them select their own Valentine’s cards, packaging them into envelopes, and attaching lollipops for an extra treat.

Now, I’m fortunate enough to share the day with a wonderful partner, who makes Valentine’s Day even more special with his romantic gestures. But I also recognize that this holiday can feel different for some—particularly for single mothers working hard to make Valentine’s Day special for their children, or for those in emotionally difficult or unfulfilling relationships. For some, Valentine’s Day can highlight feelings of loneliness, neglect, or disconnection.

To those who find themselves in these situations, I want to remind you: why not use this Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to spoil yourself? You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can only give love when you’re filled with it yourself. This year, consider making the most of Valentine’s Day, which just so happens to fall on a Friday, by practicing self-care unapologetically.

Spend that extra money on something you’ve been wanting—a facial that you’ve been too busy to treat yourself to, or that designer bag you’ve been eyeing but feel guilty about buying. If you’re like me and normally cook every day, take yourself (and your kids, if you have them) out to a nice dinner. Dress up and enjoy the evening.

We can only give as much as we receive, and if you keep giving without filling yourself up, you might never reach that same level of fulfillment. Remember: what you give is what you get. And what you focus on, you bring into your life. So this Valentine’s Day, shift your focus to abundance, self-love, and self-care—and I promise it will return in ways you never imagined.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers, mothers, singles, and everyone in between.

Much love,

Holly May