I Love Me

Valentines Day. Love it or hate it, the 14th of February cannot be ignored. The shops are full of tacky cards, overpriced flowers and cuddly toys. I especially hate the ugly stuffed animals that cost double the price just because they’re holding a heart emblazoned with “I Love You” (apologies if you’re a fan). My favourite Valentines Day memory was being taken to Burger King for dinner when he failed to make a dinner reservation and everywhere was fully booked. Tucking into a Whopper Meal whilst everyone else ate by candlelight wasn’t my idea of romance!  

This Valentines Day instead of focusing on your partner (or lack of), why not take the day to love yourself? 

“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance” 

That has been a favourite quote of mine for many years now. So much so, it’s part of my tattoo collection. 

For those living with a chronic illness, it can be hard to practice self love. How can you love yourself when your body has let you down so badly? On days when getting out of bed uses every ounce of energy you have, thoughts of self love fall far down the to do list and actually, hating yourself gets more and more frequent. 

So, this Valentines Day, I will be focusing on me, myself and I because the most important relationship I’ll ever have is with the number one in my life…me. 

Whilst I sit at home awaiting the endless deliveries of cards and roses from my secret admirers (a girl can dream), I’ll be taking the time to think of everything I love about myself. 

I challenge you to think of five things you love about yourself. Not just physical attributes but also things under the surface. 

Finding it hard? Me too.  

Off the top of my head, I can say with certainty that I love my eyes and I love how strong I am (mentally strong that is, I couldn’t punch my way out of a paper bag). The remaining three will take some thinking about but I have a whole twenty four hours to ponder and remind myself that I’m pretty fucking awesome. 

I think I’ll stop short of saying “I love my bladder” but will remember for all her cracks, haemorrhages and inflammation, she keeps going day after day and it’s hard not to admire that level of dedication. 

Emma x