Loving Yourself & Coping With Valentine's Day [EXPERT]

Everyday we have opportunities to bring in positive thoughts and messages about ourselves and our lives; We just have to learn how to be conscious and aware of these opportunities. I believe you really are, and always have been "Well Within"; as you learn to access this awareness, you can live more empowered and be fulfilled.
Valentine's Day is a hard day for anyone not in a relationship, and it causes more stress, anxiety and depression than almost any other 'holiday' for everyone, in or out of relationships. It is a day that begs for acknowledgment of love, passion, connectedness and for validation of whatever your hopes, dreams fantasies are about love. TV, radio and even the Internet are now full of ads telling you that you “must” get your valentine the “correct” gift (and they recommend everything from diamonds to mops?!) or somehow you aren’t up to snuff. Does this sound and feel like a pressure cooker? I think it does! I believe a better choice is to make Valentine’s Day about acknowledging the relationship you have with yourself, your friends, and your life. It’s important to realize that it’s easy to celebrate any holiday when relationships are easy, times are easy, and moods and life are upbeat and positive. What do we do when life is challenging, our romantic relationships are challenging or nonexistent, and no one ever taught us that paying attention to oneself was something to acknowledge and celebrate? Your journey to self-esteem is about loving, respecting and accepting who you are because who you are is enough! I suggest that you can make Valentine's Day about loving yourself, and giving yourself the love, respect and compassion you deserve. Then whoever else is in your life will also benefit because your mood will be uplifted and that is the energy you will share with those around you.