Aloha!
First, I hope 2021 is treating you kindly and you’re feeling optimistic about what lies ahead.
If you’re not feeling all that hopeful right now, that’s OK too — you’re not alone. Last month, I took a poll on Instagram asking, “Are you feeling hopeful about 2021?” and 57% of people said ‘No’!
I was surprised by such a large percentage and it got me thinking about New Year’s and new beginnings, and the truth is, the clock striking midnight in any given year doesn’t have the power to change your life. You do.
It’s never about a New Year, but a new Y-O-U and at any moment throughout life, you get to choose to eliminate, cut back on or change anything that doesn’t feel healthy or is no longer serving you (or never was!).
You don’t need a calendar to give you permission to set a new goal or take steps toward a dream. Like the lovely Dolly Parton says, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking — start paving another one.”
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I also wanted to write to you about love. Single or coupled up, I’ve always been a fan of Valentine’s Day — not necessarily the candy hearts or overpriced flowers, but the celebration of, well, love.
I know Valentine’s has gotten a reputation for being a “Hallmark” holiday for those who are in a relationship, and for those who don’t have a partner, it’s become known as SAD (single awareness day). The great thing about love though is you don’t need to have a partner, or even look outside of yourself, to feel and have love.
All love begins with self-love so at the very least, every one of us can view Valentine’s as a reminder to show ourselves some L-O-V-E. (And of course, give some extra TLC to our friends, family, fur-babies, and others who we love and appreciate.)
So this Valentine’s Day, give yourself some extra love and treat yourself to flowers, write yourself a love note, give yourself a compliment and be extra patient, kind and loving to Y-O-U.
The world needs love right now, and all love begins with self-love. So choose love, be love and share love.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Emily
P.S. Season Two of the EveryDay Happy Show podcast starts next month and I’d love to know what you’d like me and the Savvy Miss Team to cover. Please share your thoughts with me in this quick survey.
If you haven’t yet listened to all 12 episodes in Season One you can catch up here!
Quote I’m appreciating:
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” ― Søren Kierkegaard