Creative Romance

February 2023

“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” — Rupi Kaur

Creative Romance. UGH…right? February is here and there is the expectation to step up to the commercially-created Valentine’s Day plate and lay out cards, candy, dinner, etc.

Well, hang on. That’s NOT what this writer is referring to. Okay, maybe the headline is a bit misleading because there are TONS of articles on how to elevate your Valentine’s Day game through creative romancing. But if you pay attention to these emails we send month after month, you know there is one theme that we promote more than any other: SELF CARE.

As a society, we have learned that our role is to take care of others before we take care of ourselves, but it’s being acknowledged more and more that water doesn’t pour from an empty vessel. How many times have we commented that we are kinder to others than we are to ourselves? That the negative self-talk is never anything we would say to someone we care about?

Then why do we do it? Are we afraid or uncomfortable with the concept that caring for ourselves should be paramount, and that it might mean more than an occasional massage or spa day? What if we cared enough about ourselves to “create” romance, to nurture those tired, sad, or lonely spaces within ourselves? Or even to create to sustain or elevate what IS joyful and invigorating?

How would it look for you? Would you intentionally plan and prep a week of meals so that you don’t have to run through a fast-food place? Would you set your alarm thirty minutes earlier in the morning to have a quiet devotion OR is thirty more minutes of sleep more beneficial? How about looking in the mirror and saying “I love you so much” to yourself just as you would to your spouse or child or any significant person in your life?

In fact, let’s try it. I double dare – no, triple dog dare you to look in the mirror right now and say to yourself “I love you so much. I am so proud of you. Look at all you are accomplishing. Thank you for the fabulous dinner.”

Now, THAT is creative romance, I think. Let your mind, heart, and gut – the holy trinity of who are you, take your creativity in directions that will uplift, sustain, grow, flourish, and nurture…YOU. And, every day, not just in the month of February.

Remember: an empty vessel pours nothing. Want a simple way to promote that self-love? The I am app is free and provides daily affirmations to help rewire our brains, build self-esteem, and change negative thought patterns. Choose from many daily intentions and set reminders to be delivered throughout the day.

Your Wellness Committee hopes to hear back from you about your version of Creative Romance. Please share about the ways you are creatively romancing yourself (keep it G-rated, please). And for the record, we keep ourselves accountable too.

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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