Seriously?! Did you know 2015 Valentine’s Day sales were projected to top out at 18.9 BILLION dollars? That having been said, clearly money can’t buy us love or make us more lovable even in the form of chocolates, flowers or fine dining.
Of course, it’s not shameless to ask, “why not get our piece of the pie in that 18.9 billion dollar projection and be adorned, pampered, appreciated?” I’m laughing because truly, you and I know this one day serves the retail industry more than it does lovers and friends.
We see the festive messages depicting fancy experiences, telling us how to love and be loved. All the hoopla is over in one stinkin’ day! And, I think while it may be good for the economy, it may not be for the stress levels of the “dearly beloved.”
In response to Valentine’s Day celebrations, I’m offering up six tips to help you be more lovable year round.
No pressure or time crunch necessary.
That’s right. I’m here to help you be more lovable and it may not be what you think. Sit down a while and forget about wearing sexy, silky pj’s– though that can’t be a bad thing either.
Turn your attention on what can be more than a flash in the pan, and definitely more self-honoring. Focus on being that deeply centered person you are. Consider filling yourself up with what makes you happier, healthier and well, more lovable.
1- Envision what’s good.
We’ve been in the presence of a “Debbie Downer”. It ain’t pretty! In fact, it’s down right draining. As we envision what’s good, what can go right, what’s positive in our lives, we actually attract less stress. We open a space for those around us to experience what envisioning and expecting good can feel like. We give others and ourselves permission to get more into “possibility thinking”. It’s highly attractive.
2- Be kind to yourself and others.
There’s nothing more lovable than seeing someone who makes a mistake, acknowledges it and is then kind to themselves or those around them after the mistake has been made. Here’s an example of that. A while back I was a passenger in a car that was hit by someone who was apparently really exhausted.
This is what resulted from that accident: The person who hit us– got out of the car and asked if we were okay. We were. Then she proceeded to apologize for hitting us, and said, “The next time when my body is telling me to take a day off from work, I’m going to listen and sleep in. I’m just glad we’re all okay.”
Wow! Kindness is powerful. Kindness shown when it would be easy to beat ourselves up is even more powerful, especially when the mistake is preventable. So why not be kind in the process? It’s what makes us lovable.
3- Appreciate your efforts.
When was the last time you stopped to simply appreciate all that you do? Sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked from remembering that our efforts aren’t always noticeable, but they matter.
Take inventory of this. Stop and celebrate a little. This is why you are lovable even if we don’t all see your efforts. I know you are up to something like paying the bills– or caring for a precious being–and I appreciate it.
4- Be Honest.
Are you really giving yourself permission to feel lovable? Is it time to refocus on what you need to do to move yourself forward?
In friendships and romantic relationships our expectations aren’t for the other to be perfect, our desire is that they be honest. The same is true with our self. When we can address thoughts or actions that are incongruent with our life mission, we step into a place where countless good can happen. Honesty requires courage to acknowledge what we’re doing well, but also the things we need to rise up and say, “knock if off, already!!!”
5- Take Care of Your Body
In the words of Jim Rohn, “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.” In my childhood I really understood the magnitude of these words, I just didn’t know how to take care of my body.
On my adventure to become healthier, I discovered that I needed to learn to love and accept myself unconditionally as God does. I realized taking care of my physical being empowers me to love more and to be loved more because I’m more present.
It’s not rocket science. It takes learning and listening to what best supports our unique body. When I see others caring about what they put in their mouths, or enjoying an exercise program, I’m grateful for them. I believe we all respect them for making decisions to show up for their family and those that love them. It’s admirable.
6- Enjoy Life
Psst… you don’t need my permission or anyone else’s to enjoy life. In fact, it’s what makes you irresistibly lovable! When we decide to live a life that is satisfying and full, there’s a shift that happens. We tend to repel those who don’t want a piece of that joy and we engage those who hunger for it.
“And then you laughed and it seemed a thousand joyous songs leapt into the air.” ~Brendon Burchard
I’m for more belly laughs and smiles. I’m not Aristotle, but I think it makes us more lovable. Do what you enjoy. Is it time outside like one of the kids? Is it cooking up some tasty vittles, it is connecting with those who brighten your day? Whatever it is, please do it.
Bonus Tip
Ever felt a bit stuck with feeling lovable? Not knowing where to really start?
Guess what? You aren’t alone. Sometimes it’s toxins in our bodies stirred up by bad emotion, food or drugs. Sometimes it can be challenging circumstances.
I want to help you find your true north. Your most lovable self. I want to offer you a chance to be your best.
For the first time ever, I’m offering a special course through Real School Health. Click here to find out the inside scoop.
You see I believe when we are healthy, happy and fit, we feel more lovable because we feel good about our self. It’s that simple. And when you buy, know this. You are making a difference not only in your well-being but in the lives of others too! Fifty percent from the profits of the sales will go feeding the hungry and rescuing children from human trafficking through one of my favorite charities, Children’s Hunger Fund.
I hope you’ll join the party. If you decide it’s not time to punch your dance card, know you are still most lovable.
Now, over to you! Share with us, what makes you feel lovable? Or what you do find lovable in others?
I loved this. I’m learning all of these things on deeper levels. Like the idea of loving yourself enough to take care of yourself. There were many difficult years that I thought loving myself meant chilling and treating myself. And through those times, treating myself now and then WAS loving myself. “If I get all this done then I can have this. Or, “It’s been a rough day. I’m treating myself to a glass of wine…” I’m now moving from just treating myself to treating myself WELL. Of course, treating is a part of it but providing health and true care, loving care, (re)learning discipline, giving up what we want now for what we want most… doing what’s BEST for us whether it’s easy or not… that’s what I’m learning; the tough love that’s more difficult to implement but has such great rewards. To love and value myself enough to do what’s good for me and what provides long term health and happiness. Thanks for another awesome article, Paige. 🙂
Bee, your words were so powerful. Thank you for sharing your heart. The conclusion I’ve made after reading your comments is YES to treating yourself well, YES to doing what’s BEST for the long-term and in a nutshell HONORING you and the life you’ve been created to live… abundantly, in full color, with lots of awesomesauce along your adventurous path. 😉