Your Mind Fully Present:Let Self-Love Be Your Guide
- Annie Ranger
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
As we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day—sending cards, candy, flowers, gifts, or making special dinners—it’s easy to focus on how we show love to others. And that is beautiful.
Love expressed outward matters. It connects us. It makes us happy.
But as much as we love to give love, this is also an important time to pause, turn inward, and shower ourselves with self-love.
What if February became a time to focus not only on giving love—but on practicing self-love?
To pause.
To check in.
To ask yourself gently:
Can I be patient with myself right now?
Can I show myself compassion instead of criticism?
Can I practice nonjudgment and offer patience and empathy instead?
Can I shower some kindness on myself?
Self-love doesn’t have to be big, and it is definitely not selfish. It can be simple. A positive affirmation. A supportive thought. A moment of acknowledging something you’ve handled well. Something you’ve accomplished. Even something small—like choosing not to react, choosing not to honk at someone in traffic, choosing to breathe instead of escalating.
These moments matter.
When we cultivate self-love, something shifts. We feel more grounded. We become more patient—not only with ourselves, but with others. It becomes easier to hold empathy for someone whose beliefs or opinions differ from ours. It becomes easier to pause before reacting. To listen instead of defend. To respond instead of react.
Especially in times of division and uncertainty, self-love is not indulgent—it is foundational.
When we are compassionate toward ourselves, we are less likely to be pulled into fear, urgency, judgment, or anger toward others. When we pause, we give ourselves the opportunity to think clearly and align our heart with our thoughts. From that place, wiser decisions emerge. More thoughtful conversations unfold. We bring a calmer presence into the room.
From a place of love, we also gain greater clarity and discernment. When we’re regulated and centered, we’re better able to pause, listen, and thoughtfully evaluate the messages we hear—rather than absorbing them through fear or urgency.
Love allows us to reflect and analyze without becoming overwhelmed. It helps us sense what feels true and aligned for us, and what does not. Decisions made from this place are more intentional—not reactive, not driven by fear, but guided by inner knowing and trust.
As we exchange Valentine’s gestures this month, may we remember that love begins within. It’s like putting the oxygen mask on first before helping others. Let’s send ourselves some love. Make a Valentine for yourself as you prepare treats for your loved ones.
The kindness we extend to ourselves becomes the energy we bring into our homes, our communities, and our world.
A Simple Practice: Heart–Brain Coherent Breathing
If you’d like a simple way to anchor this intention, pause for just one minute.
Place one hand over your heart.
Begin breathing slowly and evenly, inhaling for a count of five, exhaling for a count of five. Let the breath be natural and unforced.
As you breathe, imagine your breath moving in and out through your heart. You might picture a warm, glowing light gently illuminating your heart.
Gently bring to mind a feeling of appreciation—something small but meaningful. It could be a person, a moment, or something you handled well this week.
Allow that feeling to expand for a few breaths.
Notice how your body feels. Do you notice a sense of calm?
This is coherence—when the heart and brain are working together. From this place, clarity strengthens. Patience grows. And love becomes easier to lead with.
See if you can gently send that love outward—to a friend, to someone who may need it, or even out into the world.
Then bring that love back to yourself.
Repeat a few kind words:
I am love.
I am patient.
I am strong.
I am kind.
Add your own affirmation that resonates with you.
🌸Some simple ways to show yourself self-love this month🌸:
• Put on your favorite music and maybe even dance.
• Read that fun book you’ve been meaning to get to.
• Go for a walk outdoors.
• Exercise. Do a favorite activity—move your body in a way that brings you joy.
• Get together with friends or family.
• Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Take a bath with Epsom salt and essential oils, or enjoy a shower with a beautiful shower gel that makes you feel cared for.
• Make your favorite healthy meal. Nourish yourself.
Treat your mind and body the way you would treat your most treasured person or possession—with care, attention, and appreciation.
Remember to love yourself first.
💗 💗 💗
This year, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, I send each of you love. May you offer yourself the same love and kindness you give to others.
And as we welcome Chinese New Year on February 17, may you move forward with intention and courage.
In this Year of the Horse, may self-love guide your path forward.
I send you love and gratitude and wishes for your path forward to be filled with intentions unfolding and days filled with self-love.
Remember:
Love.
Be love.
Send love.
🎧 Listen to the Short Love Meditation
Play the guided meditation and take a few quiet minutes just for you.
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