From Shelly Pick, Director of Counseling

Traditionally, February is the month where people focus on love. Mostly, it is the love they show for others. We all love to feel appreciated by others and when a person feels appreciated and supported it can really make you feel good, physically and mentally. This can cause you to go out and try new things because you feel empowered. Showing up for others is great but what about starting to show up for ourselves?

Many people don’t practice self-love. They will encourage others every hour of the day but, when it comes to giving themselves a break, it isn’t allowed. Self-love can include self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth. In a world where self-love can be misunderstood as self-indulgence or pride, our Catholic values give us a framework to practice self-love as a reflection of God’s love for us.

So how do we begin to practice self-love?

• Recognize our worth in God. Make time to be with our Lord in prayer. As Ephesians 2:10 states, “We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance.”
• Allow yourself to identify your true feelings. There needs to be a balance between the positive and negative feelings. Feel what you feel and react appropriately when you are ready. Every feeling is good, even anger. Remember, we need to have self-compassion along with self-love.
• What do you need? Do you need to be surrounded by other people or do you need to be alone? Ask, “How am I doing today and what do I need?” it may be a walk, journaling, talking to someone or partaking in the Sacraments. Whatever it is, self-love is something you do that is guilt free.
• Be kind to yourself. Sometimes, being your own best friend is the most difficult thing to do. If it is a tough day; admit it. Find something in your day to look forward to and it can be big or small.
• Exercise regularly and eat well.
• Grow in self-love through service. Self-love isn’t self-centered; it flows over into service for others. By loving and serving others we grow in gratitude for the gifts God has given us which deepens our relationship with Him.

Self-love, when connected to Catholic values, is not a selfish act but a sacred duty. By recognizing our worth in God, practicing humility, embracing forgiveness, and serving others, we align our hearts with the greatest commandments; to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Self-love is a love that calls us to embrace ourselves as God’s beloved children.

The mental health of every person is important. If you are worried about the mental health of someone you love, please continue reading.