A Letter To Your Loving Self

Dear Self,

Someone once told me life does not truly begin until you enter college. As an adult, you feel more independence over your academic courses and the balance between social life and school is all on you. Who would have ever known you'd grow up so fast? Certainly not me.

With the expectation to excel at life, you set the bar too high and expect to much from yourself. You study too much. You ponder too much. You criticize myself too much. 

Valentine's Day is celebrating love. And friendship. And relationships. So why not celebrate...you? And I don't mean celebrate you on just one day out of the year, but why not every day?

It's hard to make time for yourself in the sea of scheduled meetings, classes, and homework, but taking the time for self-care is one of the best ways to de-stress. Here are some techniques for self-love and for celebrating you:

• Yoga: Treat yourself to a yoga class or a morning filled with meditation, which can be a relaxing way to begin your busy day and ease your mind, body, and spirit. 
• Sleep: You deserve a mid-day nap to take your mind off of the craziness left in your day. Spend some time during the afternoon to refuel.
• Me Time: Pick a day to date yourself. Whether you treat yourself to lunch or a movie, take the time to get to know yourself. You'll be amazed at all the new things you learn about yourself!
• Let Go: Sure setting goals and expectations are the way to excel in academics and careers, but don't make these goals too unrealistic...that will only create more stress. Learn to let go of the past and focus on the present (this is one techniques that I have recently adopted); it takes the pressure off of you when you stop trying to control your future.
• Volunteer: When you need that time to reconnect with yourself, try volunteering in the local community. Volunteering is one way to reflect on your life and give back to others. Who knows? You might even make a new friend. 

Of course, there are always more self-kindness and self-love techniques. Someone also told me to go with the flow of life and learn to trust your gut feelings. Well? What are you waiting for? 

You owe it to yourself to go out and discover your passions, to explore everything and anything, and most importantly, to love yourself. The latter being the most difficult if you're one who tries to make everyone else happy. Always remember to never stop being the most unique individual you can be. 

Sincerely,

Me

Photo credit: http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/56853-Live-Love-Laugh.jpg

"Lean on Me"

The beginning of summer marks a time where we can be stress-free and have fun! But summer is also the time to get outdoors and engage in new experiences, including being more involved in your community. Summer is perfect for meeting new people, whether they will become acquaintances, friends, or family. Here's a song that relates to helping others and building strong relationships with those you meet --- check out the song lyrics to Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and adventure out to meet new people!

"Lean on Me"

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me uh-huh)
Call me (When you need a friend)
Call me (If you ever need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/billwithers/leanonme.html

Spread the Love

Valentine's Day is almost here! A celebration of love and appreciation for those around you have translated into showering each other with gifts, flowers, and an endless amount of chocolates, but why not spread the love with more than just gifts? Why not go out and celebrate Valentine's Day with meaning? In celebration of the holiday, here are 5 ways to spread the love this weekend:

1) Spend a little extra on tips! Whether you're out with friends for dinner or are out on a date with that special someone, try tipping the waiter or waitress a little extra cash. Rather than tipping the usual 10-15%, try leaving 20% (after all, they could have their own plans for Valentine's Day, but are spending their time serving you). Your waiter or waitress will appreciate the extra cash and it will put a smile on their faces!

2) Send out special Valentines! Be it a family member, best friend, or significant other, send your loved ones a hand-made Valentine to let them know you care. Valentines can be crafted and designed for each unique individual thanking them for being them. While you're at it, why not send Valentines to random people you don't know? It might make someone's day and let them know that they are loved, too. 

3) Volunteer in the community! The best way to spread the love this weekend is to sign up for a local volunteer opportunity. Grab a couple friends, travel to a local organization or charity, and get ready to lend a helping hand. You not only show the community you care, but also get to have fun and meet new people in the process!

4) Reconcile your differences! Valentine's Day is all about letting someone know you care, so call up an old friend or family member and reconcile your differences. If there have been hostile relations between you, talk it out. Let them know what's on your mind and make up for the lost time. The best relationships can come from those with the biggest regrets.

5) And finally, love yourself! After taking the time to appreciate others, spread the love, volunteer, and amend broken relationships, why not take time for yourself? You deserve to be pampered and loved, too. So take some time to indulge in your passions. Who knows? Maybe you will discover something new about yourself or find a new favorite hobby. 

"If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love" ~ Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: http://www.michalesjoy.com/wallpaper/1024x768/giving-my-heart-valentines-day-love-wallpapers.html; http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_day_clip_art_red/thing?id=10619244