Valentine’s Day is a sweet concept. You’re reminding that special someone why he or she is so terrific. You’re making that person feel great. But I think we need to create a new holiday. It will act as a supplement to Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day Part 2, if you will. The holiday is going to be devoted to love, just like Valentine’s Day. But it’s a different kind of love. It’s loving yourself and being content with who you are. It’s nice to have someone tell you why you’re great. That always feels good. But no amount of Build-a-Bears or conversation hearts or compliments from other people can give you self-confidence. You have to find that on your own. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything else in our lives that we forget to feel good about ourselves and what we’ve accomplished. I want a day where we are forced to take a step back and give ourselves some credit. A little boost of self-confidence in a world that moves a million miles per hour.

Women are a tough crowd. Many times we get catty and critical and compete with each other when we could be helping. But as tough as we are on each other, I think many of us are even tougher on ourselves. We stretch ourselves thin. We race from class to class to work to volunteer to an activity to see a friend to the gym. We compare ourselves to other people. We critique our bodies. We doubt ourselves. We’re afraid to recognize the things we do well. Or when we do feel pride, we move on to the next thing so quickly that we don’t fully savor it.

This Valentine’s Day Part 2 would push all obligations and insecurities aside and remind you that it’s okay to think, “No. I don’t need to lose five pounds. That girl on the magazine is airbrushed beyond recognition and I think they actually took off her bellybutton in the process.” It would be a reminder that you do deserve that job you’re applying for because you’re talented and you’ve worked hard. It would give you time to think about the interesting and unique and impressive things you’ve accomplished so far.

As Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Great experiences and important moments move quickly too. It’s important to take a minute to enjoy them.

So while you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day (no matter what you’re doing) take a minute to think about what you contribute to your relationship. What do you bring to the table? Why is this person you’re spending the evening with lucky to have you? There are many, but just name a few. Or if you’re flying solo, remember the reasons why you are qualified and smart and witty and brave and deserving of everything fun and exciting in life.

It’s great to take a day to honor a boyfriend or girlfriend and a relationship, but it’s important to take time to appreciate what you have to offer as an individual. We don’t do it enough. Let’s change that.

What do you think about this concept? Tweet me @lifewithlauren1 or find me at Life with Lauren.  

Photo found on http://www.tumblr.com/reblog/17266326791/GKFpfNW0?redirect_to=%2Fdashboard%2F3%2F17266417817%3Flite

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