Feb. 17, 2025: Love Story — Let’s keep the Valentines coming all year long, starting with 8 Steps to Loving Yourself

Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — In this turbulent time in the world, I believe there’s very little we can do to feel empowered and in control other than simply love ourselves. It’s not easy, I know. I promise, I know. But as I doom scroll through article after article by the world’s top journalists who are sharing their insights and facts about what is playing out in Washington, DC, it’s practically impossible to breathe, much less imagine a future where kindness, empathy, and compassion guide us. While it’s more than tempting to find ways to numb our senses, I have come to believe what we have always known to be true: Loving the world starts with loving yourself.

Today, I vote that we keep the Valentines coming throughout the year by practicing self-care, self-love, and compassion for ourselves. The video, above, featuring astrologist and coach Helena Woods, will get you started. In it, she explores how to romanticize your life by embracing simple joys and appreciating the small wonders of everyday existence, and offers four practical tips to make it happen: commit to your unique self, approach life with curiosity, fully commit to your part, and treat each moment as a gift. Learn more from Helena here.

Corita Kent: “Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.”

Ah, that makes me want to take a deep breath! It also gives me permission and inspiration to witness all the beauty before me: Watching a young girl in her pink coat walk in the rain at a President’s Day parade on Saturday  — kicking the puddles as she held onto her bright green umbrella. The snow melting under Sunday’s pelting rain, one flake at a time. The softness of the silky white sheets on my bed. Warm heat on my hands as I wash the morning dishes. The opportunity to do yoga every morning with my gorgeous daughter. Dancing around the den daily to shake off the craziness I’m witnessing. And perhaps most importantly, the fabulous phone calls I have daily with my bevy of besties as we support each other, come what may. We are Empowered Together! 

Join me as I embrace these 8 steps to Self-Love, courtesy of Calm.com:

1. Self-awareness: Understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
2. Self-expression: Be true to who you are in all areas of life.
3. Self-care: Take care of your body and mind.
4. Self-trust: Believe in your ability to handle life’s ups and downs.
5. Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when times are tough.
6. Self-respect: Honor your worth by setting healthy boundaries.
7. Self-acceptance: Embrace who you are, including the parts you don’t find perfect. Remember what we said about perfection?
8. Self-determination: Believe you can control your own destiny.

Until next Monday: I leave you with this quote from artist, educator, and advocate for social justice Corita Kent (pictured above): “Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries.” Stay well, stay focused, and keep your heart wide open. There is goodness all around. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us

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