Love Notes

-To ourselves!-

I happened to think today about affirmations and meditation. I also was looking up different strategies for ADHD symptoms (I have diagnosed but unmedicated ADHD, so I admit this was for myself). I thought about all the times I’ve written cheer-up stickies for coworkers, love notes for my spouse, lunch notes for my kids, etc.

Then, I made the mistake of googling the definition of “Self-love.” No, it wasn’t some sexual connotation that came back (though I’m sure if I kept clicking, I could find those); it was the negative definitions that were mainly being found that threw me off. Why is it negative to have a healthy love for ourselves? Why, in a time where we are marketed with “self-care” routines, products, and services, is it a negative thing to foster a love of ourselves?

The contradiction in those two messages (take the time for self-care, but don’t love yourself) had me thinking about what we might have missed. The positive ways we treat our favorite people should be how we treat ourselves. That’s not unhealthy. That being said, here are some ideas for doing just that this week that are free and fun.

• Playlists! — Ever make a playlist for your friend or significant other? I like making different mood playlists, but make sure you have some balance. You can have a “sad girl lunch” playlist but need a “feel good Friday” too! I have…