flowerspaintingWhen I wrote about self-love yesterday, I forgot to mention nurturing self. Yes, I included expressing needs, but it goes even deeper, in actually knowing our needs and then making sure that they are met, by us when possible.

Yesterday, I had one of the best Valentine’s Day ever, and I’m not involved in a romantic relationship. I set the intention early on to have a full Self-Love day. And I realized that I had to add a few things to the mouthful of what I said about self-love yesterday. I will share the highlights of my day, and include the self-love practices:

  • Allowing Space for Flexibility: I had originally planned to take myself to the movies after a couple of meetings I had in the city, but after the meetings were cancelled due to the severe weather conditions, I made new plans. There aren’t any movie theaters in my neighborhood, so I decided to have a movie night at home.
  • Connecting with Family and Friends: Since my in-person meetings were rescheduled, I had a chance to Skype with my family, and we had some laughs. I also spoke with a few friends on the phone and by email. It felt really great to take the time to connect and be with those we love, even if by phone or video conferencing.
  • Doing What We Love: During coaching calls, it felt so wonderful to witness the transformation of my clients, and to be able to assist them in empowering themselves to shift and grow. Those calls always are nurturing to me as well.
  • Nurturing Ourselves: I took the time to reflect on what could be nurturing for me on Valentine’s Day. I went to get my nails done (I had a date with myself after all), I took a bath, I dressed up, I brewed and drank high quality tea, and I took time to meditate, to breathe, and to be in the moment.
  • Eating Mindfully: I wrote about eating mindfully before, and for me it means cooking good food; not eating in front of the computer or the TV; taking the time to bless the food; feeling grateful for it; and setting an intention that my body will receive the nourishment it needs and release the rest. I didn’t use to do that, maybe because I was living in a sort of shoebox and there wasn’t much space for it. Now that I have the space, I’m still giggling when I sit at my table, and I make sure I use one of the hand painted with flowers table cloths my mother gave me. In case you are wondering, yes, I did eat chocolate too!
  • Acting when we receive messages: A Facebook friend shared the link of the “One Billion Rising” live stream, with about half hour left for it to end. I watched the end of Danielle LaPorte’s presentation, Patricia Moreno’s workout/movement, and the closing remarks by Eve Ensler, and it was very inspiring. I could have simply liked the post, but I realized that was a good opportunity and I took it. If you are interested in watching it, the all day program is available at Just Love.
  • Acting when we receive messages 2: I also followed my intuition to post the article about self-love yesterday morning.

How did you spend Valentine’s Day? Were you able to express your needs and meet or have them met?

If you or anyone you know is interested in receiving coaching, take a look at the page Work with Elisa to learn more about my services, and to check out the special offer available through Monday February 17th 2014.