Remember Self-Love this Valentine's Day
It seems there are a million clichés about time mending broken hearts, but is that really all it takes? The reality is that losing a loved one in any capacity, including and maybe especially in divorce, can cause a hurt that lasts a lifetime.
Yet, not all hope is lost. The good news is that we can have a measure of control over how long and how deeply we allow someone else to hurt us. And, the answer just might be "love."
“Love can remove fear and heal a broken heart, if it is allowed to enter.” ~ Ellen J. Barrier
Now no one is suggesting we jump right from one bad relationship into another potentially bad one just so we’re not alone. Rather, the key may be in understanding and developing “self-love.”
Merriam-Webster defines “self-love” as:
a) an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue; and
b) proper regard for an attention to one’s own happiness or well-being.
This suggests that each of us possesses inherit value and that it is our responsibility to attend to our own happiness and well-being.
“Often what feels like the end of the world is really a challenging pathway to a far better place.” ~ Karen Salmansohn
The question now becomes, how do we develop and nurture self-love when we don't even want to get out of the bed in the morning? What if we are so emotionally destroyed, we can't envision this process for ourselves or even know were to start?
“Bruises Heal. Broken heart mends. Pieces fall back together. Only if you want it to. Not because time healed you. You decide to heal.” ~ Babalola Michael Omotayo
Be sure to read this month's DivorceTown USA® expert articles and upcoming Events (links below). They focus on the importance of getting past the break-up, feature various professional suggestions and methods to help you get started and offer professional advice and guidance you may need to get yourself moving through this process.
Especially during the month of February, where so many are focused on love and relationships for Valentine's Day, now is the time to learn to love yourself and your new life, to appreciate your true value and potential and to create for yourself a loving, lasting future you will enjoy for years to come.
Expert Articles:
Feeling Stuck or Heartbroken from Your Divorce? Tips for Moving Forward and Beyond
By Stephanie Robins, LCSW
Write Your New Valentine's Story
By Leslie Welch, CDC, CHCC, LOA
Healing your ️ Heart with COPE: Coaching for Divorced or Divorcing Parents
By: Karen Wagner, Co-Parenting Coaching Program
Bonus: 10 Biggest Mistakes For Effective Co-Parenting After Divorce!
By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC