Valentines Day is quickly approaching. Many people are settling in on gifts for their partners, children, parents, children's teachers, and other people they care about. So, where do you fall into the equation? Should we wait on others (if they decide) to show us love on this day? What if they forget you? What if they do not want to celebrate you? What if this special person believes you are not deserving of the love you require?

That's why we should love ourselves. We should not look to others for our own happiness. We must create that for ourselves. To start with, you must love YOU! Then, the most beautiful things happen. Your confidence is increased. Others will also respect you more. And guess what? You will be equipped to take care of others, i.e. your children, your partners, and other special people.

Self-love is taking care of yourself. It is not selfish. I learned a happy me, makes a better mom. Best of all, self-care does not require huge time commitments. It can be done in a matter of minutes. Examples include:

• Exercising/going for a run
• Taking a hot, long bath or shower
• Getting a massage
• Eating a nice balanced meal
• Painting your nails or toes (or going to the salon for a mani/pedi)
• Read your favorite book
• Drinking water

And the list goes on!  

Love yourself enough to make time to take care of you. Embrace your body and your journey to become ripped, no matter where you are. Give yourself grace for those times when you aren't picture perfect. Most of all LOVE YOURSELF before giving all of your love to someone else!

Until next time,

Cassandra G. & Christina B.