The Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime: Self Love In The Month of February

February often centres around romantic love via hearts, flowers, and messages about connection with others. While these moments can be meaningful, they can also feel heavy or isolating for some. It’s worth remembering that love doesn’t only exist between partners. One of the most constant and influential relationships you will ever have is the one you have with yourself.

Self-love isn’t about confidence, perfection, or always feeling good. It’s about how you treat yourself when things are difficult, when energy is low, or when you feel you’ve fallen short of expectations. It shows up in the quieter moments, offering yourself patience instead of criticism, compassion instead of pressure, and understanding instead of judgement.

Practising self-love can be simple and realistic. It might begin with checking in with your needs, asking what would feel supportive right now rather than what you should be doing. It can look like setting gentle boundaries, resting without guilt, or allowing yourself to move at a pace that feels sustainable. These small acts of care build trust with yourself over time.

Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective. Nourishing your body, creating small moments of calm, and speaking to yourself kindly, especially after mistakes, are powerful forms of self-love. Seeking support when needed is also an act of care, not a failure.

As February unfolds, consider widening the definition of love to include how you show up for yourself. Choosing self-love isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. When you care for yourself with compassion, you create a steadier sense of safety and worth, one that doesn’t depend on external validation.

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Try This: Creative Self-Love Practices

You don’t need to be “good at art” for these, they’re about expression, not outcome.

• Heart Mapping

Draw a simple heart shape and fill it with words, colours, or symbols that represent what nourishes you, comforts you, or helps you feel safe. This can include people, activities, boundaries, or needs.

• Love Letters to Yourself

Write a short note to yourself as if you were supporting a close friend. You might acknowledge something you’re finding hard or remind yourself of a strength you often overlook.

• Found Collage of Care

Use magazines, packaging, or scraps of paper to create a collage based on the theme “What love looks like for me right now.” There’s no right or wrong, follow what feels meaningful.

• Colour for Comfort

Choose a few colours that feel calming or supportive and fill the page with soft shapes, lines, or patterns. Let this be a moment to slow down rather than create something perfect.

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Closing Affirmation -

I am worthy of care, kindness, and compassion, exactly as I am.

I can choose to meet myself with gentleness, today and every day.

With Love, Maggie.

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