Love Day. Hmmm.

Valentine’s Day.

A day to celebrate the ones you love, romantic partners particularly, or a day to possibly consider the fact you are single and hopefully not feel bad or worthless because of it.

So many of us seek validation from others, from something outside of us in order to feel whole. We turn to others to show us love so that we feel worthy. It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it?

Why do we do this? Why are we not content as we are?

I attended a discussion last night hosted by my amazing yoga teacher, Carly - @awakenwithcarly - and lead by my dear yoga teacher, Prasad (who I must share is one of the most knowledgeable and wise people I have ever met – @yogaprasad_institute ) and was reminded of many things.

1. From such a young age, roles have been placed upon us that have taken us further from our true selves (daughter, sister, student, professional, wife, mother, etc.).

2. These numerous roles split the energy of our minds and contribute to unsteady foundations due to the fact that each of the roles are different and ever-changing.

3. The ability to not be able to meet the perfect ideal of every role adds to our feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy.

We have been conditioned to believe that we need to meet all of the expectations society has deemed as necessary to be successful and valued. And if we don’t, we are failing in some way.

But are we?

I’d like to propose that those souls who are not in the race to achieve these norms have a level of success unbeknownst to many.

In no way am I saying that people should never live in alignment with these societal norms if they are truly passionate about them and joyful doing so. This may be their calling. What I am saying is that it is okay if you do wonder about it and feel that your path holds something else.

All I am suggesting is that you take time to reflect and contemplate what makes you feel whole, happy, and at peace.

In closing, I’d like to share lyrics from Eminem’s famous song Lose Yourself, (that he performed at last night’s Superbowl), but have changed “lose” to “love”. I think it works.

A reminder that life is short and you only have one shot to lose yourself and to LOVE yourself.

“You better LOVE yourself in the music, the moment You own it, you better never let it go You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow This opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yo”

Don’t miss your chance. Start now.

~Melissa Shantelle