Flowers and chocolates, romantic (expensive) dinners and grand gestures - Valentine's Day often comes pre-packaged with specific expectations of love and romance.
Yesterday, I attended a one-hour self-love online gathering. A question that was asked and has stayed with me is ‘what’s one small act of self-love or self-care that you can incorporate into your daily routine to nurture and honor yourself?’
What if we shift the focus this year, using Appreciative Inquiry to explore love in its many forms, starting with the most important: self-love?
Appreciative Inquiry encourages exploring the positive, building on strengths, successes and aspirations. Today, Valentine’s Day, we can use it to cultivate love that blooms from within and extends outwards.
Three self-love questions to consider:
What are three things I appreciate about myself?
What act of self-care nourishes me most?
What dream, however big or small, sparks my heart?
If we need a special day to explore love with another, why not ask overwhelmingly positive questions? Sometimes showing love is simply listening deeply to ourselves and others.
Three questions to ask someone you love or want to know better (not just a partner):
What makes you feel loved and appreciated?
What act of kindness have you shown yourself lately?
What brings you joy in life?
Bonus questions:
What does love mean to you, and how do you express it in your life?
In what ways can we support each other's journey of self-discovery and growth, fostering deeper connections and understanding?
Remember, love exists in friendships, family bonds, and the connections we forge with strangers through simple acts of kindness. Today, let's celebrate love in all its forms, starting with a deep appreciation for ourselves and extending outwards with open hearts and curious minds.
Share your journey! If you wish, in the comments below, answer one of the self-love questions or share a story about an act of love you witnessed or experienced. Let's create a space where love, in all its diverse expressions, is celebrated, nurtured and shared.
Happy Valentine's Day! May it be filled with self-compassion, connection, and the joy of appreciating all that love brings into our lives.
With gratitude.
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