Since so many of you shared with me how much you enjoyed my New Year’s ritual, I was inspired to create one for Valentine’s Day.

It is short and sweet, just like February 14th will be! For those of you who dread or judge this holiday, keep in mind it is only ONE DAY. Just 24 hours, a third of which you will be asleep for. Take advantage of the sweetness that is in the air. Unless you totally isolate yourself, you are bound to see someone get flowers at work or catch Facebook posts about Valentine’s Day so why not embrace it?

And I have just the process to help you do just that!

To prepare this ritual for you, I first wanted to do a little research on the origin of Valentine’s Day. I knew it had something to do with St. Valentine, but who was he? After 20 minutes of googling, I found several conflicting stories about this Saint who is now associated with love. His true origin remains a mystery.

My aha is that for centuries we’ve been making up stories about what Valentine’s Day means so YOU get to create whatever story you would like about February 14th. It only means what YOU make it mean.

Remember that this day is all about love – not just romantic infatuation. Let this day be a day to open your heart even more to your own love and Divine love.

Let Valentine’s Day be a day to open your heart even more to your own love & Divine love. @ChristinHassler (Click to Tweet!)

Performing a ritual around this intention will shift how you experience February 14th. This six-step process is my Love gift to you!

1. Say “I love you” . . . to yourself. Begin the day by stating it out loud while looking in the mirror. Gaze lovingly (that means without any critical thoughts about your appearance) into your own eyes and say it until you feel it. Don’t skip the mirror! If you feel uncomfortable expressing love to yourself, is it reasonable to expect the same expression from another?
2. Make a love promise. Think of a commitment you could make to yourself that is an expression of self-love. Promise to be kinder to yourself by following any negative internal dialogue with a loving affirmation. Promise to stop degrading yourself in your speech or actions. Promise to do one thing every day that feels nurturing. There are so many juicy promises to make to yourself. Begin with one this year and each Valentine’s Day add another.
3. Spread love. One of the simplest ways to spread love is by smiling! Your mission today is to inspire at least five people to smile. Make eye contact and flash those pearly whites (no lame mouth closed half smiles). Your smiles will make someone’s day.
4. Drop some love bombs. I love this one! Find ways in which you can pleasantly surprise people. Feed a meter, pay for someone’s coffee in the line behind you, buy a flower and give it to a random stranger. Get creative and have fun committing random acts of kindness.
5. Reach out and touch someone. There are people in your life that would love to hear from you today. Call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while or an old friend you have lost touch with. Use your phone rather than text or emails. Bless them with the sound of your loving voice.
6. Gift yourself with love. Purchase one thing today that is an act of love. It could be a piece of jewelry, delicious treat, massage, or session with a healer of some kind. Think of something you would love to receive and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a self-love present.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Love,

Christine

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection.” – Buddha

P.S. I have a new podcast where I coach people LIVE on the air. Head over to Over it and On With It and listen in for inspiration and action steps.

Christine Hassler has broken down the complex and overwhelming experience of recovering from disappointment into a step-by-step treatment plan in her new book Expectation Hangover. This book reveals the formula for how to process disappointment on the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual levels to immediately ease suffering. Instead of wallowing in regret, self-recrimination, or anger, we can see these experiences as catalysts for profound transformation and doorways that open to possibility. You can find more info on her website, and follow her on Twitter and FB.

Image courtsey of: MabelAmber.