Hey Savvy Friends!

When I was on the ABC local talk show,  View From the Bay , last month (if you didn’t see the segment, check it out HERE  ) , I received a lot of feedback on the part of ‘Loving Yourself Up’.   I gave some tips for giving yourself ‘love’ first, before you seek it in dating and relationship.  The segment was geared toward women who are looking to date again after a divorce, but truly, I find that women single and dating,  and women married and in relationship – all modern women – can benefit from more slow down, self-care, and self-love.  

These ideas are all geared toward this New Economy – this isn’t about another shopping spree or Spa Day. Nothing against either, as they can serve a purpose and need, but this goes deeper – and also goes farther.

This is about not just being kind and loving to oneself, but also about bringing creativity and romance to your day-to-day.  From you, to you.  When we gift ourselves in these small and sustainable ways, we actually become more Present. And Softer.  We give ourselves a little romance, and this spills over into how we are with others.  We’re happier, more fulfilled, and open.  We can feel more at peace, and more approachable.

The key in ‘Loving Yourself Up’ is keeping it authtentic to YOU.  Just like some women don’t dig Spa days.  They would rather take a 10 mile hike.  Or comb through antique stores. So the first thing that you must do is begin to get more in touch with what it is that you desire – what is calling you – what would feel really good.

Of course it’s wonderful, exciting and blissful to receive romance and gifts and experience from the men in our lives, or to imagine all that you want from the future man in your life.  But, if we begin to practice giving ourselves some romance, small ’loving acts’, we actually make all that we could receive from a current or future partner all the more juicy and enjoyable.  And, we find that we don’t yearn and long for ‘them’ to do, do, do for us.  Because it’s kind of a well that could never get filled by another.  This kind of love must be attended to by the self.

If you begin by creating romance, beauty and simple luxury in your day , you’ll find that other ideas will pull at you, whether it’s taking a walk to the Farmer’s Market, or cleaning out a closet.

Some things that I do regularly:

-Make sure there are fresh flowers in my bedroom, bathroom & office

-Light candles: reading, hanging out, in the bedroom, or in the bathroom while I’m getting ready to go out in the evening.  When I’m paying bills.

-Play music, as much as possible, wherever I am.  I take my Ipod shopping….and when I vaccuum. 

-Set a pretty place setting for dinner, even for take out.  Enjoy a glass of wine or champagne, or special tea.

-Take my time (and making the time to do so) with my hair & make up – just for me – at least a few times a week, or every day – depending on how I feel.

-In dressing , I consioulsy adorn myself with jewelry & color that I love wearing.

-Taking a bubble bath or an extra-long shower, whenever I can.

So, these are a few things that I incorporate regulary.  What are yours?  I’d love to hear what they are.  If you aren’t doing things to love yourself up, what might they be? 

From my savvy heart to yours ~

Leslie

www.BeLoveSavvy.com