5 Ways To Say “I Love You”…To Yourself

5 Ways to Say I Love You to Yourself

Because we all need a little more self-love, here are 5 ways to say those three special words...to yourself.Flower bouquets. Boxes of chocolate. Red and pink as far as the eye can see.

While February usually revolves around Valentine’s Day, it’s also International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month. Whether or not you’re currently part of a pair, it’s important to show yourself some love too.

So tomorrow, in between showering your kids with candy and your partner with romance, look for ways to be your own Valentine too. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

5 Ways to Say “I Love You” to Yourself

1. Write a self-addressed love letter.

In addition to penning a love note to your sweetie, turn the tables and put your name in the salutation. The act of writing it down will force you to think about all of your achievements and positive qualities, ultimately improving your self-image.

Try to list at least five items for maximum self-love.

2. Accept a compliment.

You know the drill. A friend says she likes your new haircut, and you say, “Really? You don’t think it’s too short?”

Too many women simply don’t know how to accept a compliment graciously; that’s why they respond to flattery with disbelief and denial instead of gratitude.

When we rebuff a compliment, we miss a perfectly good opportunity to boost our self-esteem.

Next time you receive a bit of praise, resist the urge to refute it and instead respond with a simple “thank you.”

3. Get outside.

Yes, it’s cold out there. But studies show that getting some outdoor activityโ€”even when the temps are frigidโ€”can brighten your mood and improve your self-esteem.

Soak up the winter sunshine by going for a quick ten minute walk. Even better, invite a friend along for some girl talk along the way.

4. Lend a helping hand.

You know the warm fuzzy feeling you get after doing a good deed? It’s no coincidence.

Studies have shown a direct connection between our personal well-being and the amount of time we spend helping others. When we assist those in need, we experience both a boost in self-esteem and an increase in happiness levels.

This Valentine’s Day, spend some time volunteering with a cause that’s close to your heart. Whether you’re caring for animals at a shelter, helping kids with their homework, or cleaning up trash at a local park, you won’t just make someone else’s dayโ€”you’ll also feel great about yourself!

5. Quit comparing.

It’s easy to get down on yourself when you’re constantly thinking, “She’s so much prettier than I am,” or “She juggles the demands of motherhood way better than I do.” But those kinds of negative thoughts aren’t helping anyone.

Life isn’t a competition, so celebrate your successes without worrying about how you stack up against anyone else!


This Valentine’s Day, remember to celebrate love in all its forms, including the love you show yourself. What sorts of things do you do when you need a self-esteem boost? 


23 responses to “5 Ways To Say “I Love You”…To Yourself”

  1. We’re going to have snow days today and tomorrow, so I will DEFINITELY get outside both days. It really does energize me.
    And I do love to lend a helping hand. Getting active and involved and helpful actually gets rid of my anxiety 100% of the time.

  2. Great suggestions, Katie. I’ve been meaning to get out there and shovel, so I’m going to get outside right now and show myself some love. And help my neighbors dig out. ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. I gave myself an early Valentine by playing in the snow with my dog and by meeting my neighbors new puggle puppy. And when my neighbor shared that he is struggling with his Max’s high energy needs and tendency to run away, I offered my fenced yard and playtime with my Curtis. A good deed and time outside all in one! Thanks Katie for helping me recognize the nice things I need to do for myself.

  4. Great ideas!! (all of them). I am *really* trying to work on accepting compliments. I am so bad at it even my teenage son notices. When a teenage boy notices ANYTHING it means it must be bad!! Why is this so hard for so many of us?!? –Lisa

    • I think deflecting compliments is a learned behavior subconsciously taught to many girls and women, unfortunately. As if there is something wrong with accepting praise!

  5. Thanks Katie for the Valentined-themed thoughts on how to say I love you… to yourself. So important for mamas around the world to take the time and love themselves. Because sometimes, it’s a thankless job. I have to say, the one that spoke to me the most was #5. I am going to try and put that on a post it note by the mirror near the door I exit the house by every day!

  6. Wow, this is realy good! My sister and I just had this very exact conversation about #5 this morning. We agreed that the media has something to do with how we see ourselves and compare ourselves to others. All based on what society calls beautiful.

  7. LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE!!!!! I am a huge fan of them all…. each necessary to really empower and nourish our hearts and keep us focused on things that help us to realize our worth.

    Awesome advice Katie!! ๐Ÿ™‚

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