On Valentine’s day in 2nd grade, my pink heart envelope made from construction paper was half full so I glanced over at the girls to my right and saw that theirs were overflowing. When Valentines day is around the corner, I begin to remember my Valentines past. How about you? Do you have any memories from elementary school that come up this time of year?
I do. One of the ones that shows up every year is that elusive box of Sweethearts candies? Those the little heart candies that had messages on them. Words and phrases like: True Love, Be Mine, Hug Me, or Ooh La La.
When I see them in the drug store even now, I cringe and think NO THANK YOU, because the feeling is familiar and is leftover from elementary school. So, as I approach 60, I think it is time to create a some new memories of Valentines day. Ones that celebrates me, my body, my experiences and my personality.
What if you could create your own personal box of Sweethearts?
What would YOUR personalized box of Sweethearts say? Are there words you wished you saw on those little hearts? Think about what words you might write on your little hearts. Words that would lift your spirits, boost your self- esteem and make you smile!
What if opened a box full of words that made you sit up tall and take notice? A box created by you, for you. From your authentic and personal uniqueness?
Every heart you pull out has a word on it about you. The words are of all the traits and qualities you tend to lose sight of in your day to day. The ones that are forgotten, because you are too busy blaming, shaming or criticizing yourself. This is a box you can open whenever you notice yourself in need of a lift!
So today, I challenge you to build yourself a box of confidence, box of self-compassion, box of inspiration and a box of self-discovery. All you need is a pen and paper (some note cards or even little construction paper hearts!) And…follow the steps below.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY WORDS THAT RESONATE WITH YOU and who you are to your friends and family
Take a deep breath and look at some of the words below. Look at the words with non-judgmental curiosity. Read the list, and circle or write down all the words that resonate with you and any other words that make you smile, or help you feel good or feel right for you. Don’t question, just write.
- Compassionate
- Caring
- Capable
- Trustworthy-honest
- Funny-humorous
- Artistic-creative-musical
- Strong
- Energetic-active
- Joyful-happy
- Gutsy-brave-courageous
- Observant
- Sensitive
- Intuitive
- Kind-caring-empathetic
- Smart-brilliant
- Reliable-dependable
- Curious
- Friendly-considerate
- Determined-driven
- Goofy-fun-childlike-silly
- Open-minded
- Loving-nurturing
- Fair
- loyal
STEP 2: SELECT THE WORDS And VISUALIZE
Now, look at the list of words you circled or wrote down. Choose a set of 11 words that resonate with you. Take these 11 words and write them out on notecards (or hearts) and create yourself a box of you. Or, if you would like, create yourself a vision board with your words.
STEP 3: REVISIT often
Place the vision board or box in a place where you see it every day. Open this box when you need a lift. Read the words out loud and give yourself permission to let the words soak into your body, heart and mind.
This activity, practiced daily can change the way you think and feel about yourself. It is a tangible act to help you learn that you matter.
“We nurture and care for the things we love and feel connected to. We neglect and destroy the things we do not.” –Unknown
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