Self-Love and a Give-aWay

By Trelawnie Gartner

Ask Lonnie, Self Love and A Give-a-Way

Ah February, the month of love and my birthday! In honor of both, I'm holding a "Self-Love" Give-a-Way!

I Love, LOVE.

Did you know that love actually starts within yourself? It's not just exclusively for couples. It can be a fantastic time to express all kinds of love. Besides couples love, there is; parents love for their children, the love a pet gives you and you give back, best friend love and self love, just to name a few.

I don't believe in limitations, so why just stop at Couples love? It isn't the only kind of love to be celebrated. If you're single, you can still celebrate!

There's no reason to feel left out. And since I'm a cheerleader for self-love, keep reading for some serious self-love tips!

Welcome to the LOVE Yourself Month!

The first thing to do, is take a look and see where you've been neglecting yourself. Where you seem to be out of balance. Spending more time working than taking care of yourself? Putting others needs and wants before your own? Don't remember the last time you just relaxed and read a good book or enjoyed your favorite music?

Once you are aware of where you've been lacking, then we move into the second step: Making time for yourself to recharge. To appreciate all of your efforts and hard work. To celebrate your wins and prioritize your goals into the must complete and the things that can wait.

To be successful without burning out, you must take care of your mind, body and spirit.

As you organize your tasks, you'll soon find that your mind gets to take a break. It no longer runs on overload and worry. By setting a timetable for each project/task, you free your mind to be able to focus completely on each. Don't forget to ask for help or delegate a task when you need to. Empower yourself to be able to provide the best completion of all tasks.

When your mind is clear, your body relaxes. They run off of each other and work better when there isn't the push and pull of competing against each other for importance.

Honor your body and all it supports you with by making sure you eat enough throughout the day. Don't skip meals and choose healthy delicious foods. (Don't beat yourself up for indulging in a treat or two sometimes) Try not to eat late at night, as this allows your body optimal performance to digest and you'll sleep better. You will wake up feeling happier and more energized in the morning. Drink plenty of water and incorporate some quiet time to prepare for your day.

The third step is to honor your spirit. This means following and allowing what you feel passionate about. Read the things that touch your soul. Be creative! Make jewelry, paint a picture, write a story/poetry, crochet/knit, or bake. Whichever way you can express your creativity, go for it!

Dance around your house barefoot. Sing at the top of your lungs. Dress in materials that have you feeling sexy, feminine/masculine, empowered. Be present in each moment. Notice the miracles around you. Count your blessings, especially in times like these. Build your moments and memories with quality, not quantity.

Make an extra effort to be kind to yourself and others. Look in the mirror and acknowledge each single thing that you love about yourself. Practice acceptance for those things about yourself that may not be perfect. We all need a boost sometimes. So step up and step in when you need it the most. Taking care of yourself allows you to be abundant in the overflow that you can then share with others.

May love always live in your heart and peace be present in your mind.

As for me, I'll be practicing friend love, self love and extra kindness.

P.S. I'm so grateful for all of the amazing people being spotlighted. Look for the person whose name was chosen to win my "Self-Love' Give-a-Way!

I See You ~ Trelawnie Gartner

Trelawnie Gartner is from Alberta, Canada. She is a Reiki Master and Empowerment Coach, healer of moments, a catalyst, energy shifter and truth teller. As a fixer of other women’s crowns she encourages all souls and offers advice and guidance with knowledge gained through courses, books and life experiences.