In a northern climate – February is a cruel joke, with the promise of spring feeling like a myth. As possible as a unicorn galloping through my backyard. We heavily rely on chocolate and Valentine’s Day to dig us out from under the many inches of snow. Love, or the idea of it, is enough to warm us up. I thought this month could be well spent focusing on not just putting out love, but also turning it inward. We tend to forget about ourselves in the love equation. February may be better spent doing a deep dive into celebrating your own love, so love can flow more freely in all your relationships.

One of my favorite books on this topic, How to Love Yourself (and Sometimes Other People): Spiritual Advice for Modern Relationships by Lodro Rinzler and Meggan Watterson, is a modern guide for those who want to experience more love. One may wonder what does “more love” entail? Rinzler and Watterson offer readers a unique perspective as teachers and scholars of Buddhism and Christian mysticism. The book explores falling in and out of love, sex, deep friendships and break-ups. And all roads lead to being anchored in self-love and self acceptance. Check this one out. 

Another forward thinker in this realm is the not-so-unknown Brené Brown. The social science guru’s The Gifts of Imperfection gets down to it, as Brown leads readers through ten guideposts to determine “I am enough”. This one is my personal favorite of Brené Brown’s books to date. “If we want to fully experience love and belonging, we must believe that we are worthy of love and belonging,” Brown says. Check it out.

If reading isn’t your cup of tea – check out some of these podcasts:

I Am Enough: Mastering Self Love Podcast with Charity B. This podcast offers tools, advice and knowledge on understanding how true happiness starts with loving yourself. Each week, Charity highlights different realistic topics promoting self love, self confidence and self worth. I love the authenticity of this podcast, Charity B is relatable and accessible. Check her out here.

Another great podcast to lift you up is On Purpose with Jay Shetty. This podcast will help listeners value positive, hopeful thinking. Shetty packages this podcast in such a thoughtful, purposeful way, allowing listeners to learn to value themselves through insightful interviews. Shetty spends time investigating toxic beliefs that limit us – including negative self talk. Each episode allows the listener to get more comfortable with the idea that valuing and loving themselves will better equip them to show love and value to those around them. Check it out here.

6 Ways to Cultivate Self-Love:

• Keep a Gratitude Journal. A big part of self-love is staying present.
• Give Yourself a Compliment.
• Speak to Yourself as You Would With a Friend. 
• Practice Mindfulness. 
• Celebrate the Small Wins.
• Limit time on Social Media

Stay tuned for the next Baer Essentials, which will feature brand new resources to explore. 

Kate is a member of several AFC circles. She is an avid reader who enjoys sharing exciting, new resources focusing on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Kate is a freelance writer residing in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and three teenage children.