Navigating Love and Loss
For many of us, love plays a fundamental role in our lives. Love and a sense of belonging are considered a part of Maslow‘s hierarchy of needs. In my therapy sessions, clients often express their struggles with missed opportunities for love, or they mourn lost relationships. The pain of love that disappoints us can be devastating. And yet, there is a path forward. It’s a journey of healing, replenishing our hearts, yet still holding onto our hope of loving freely.
The Role of Self-Care in Healing from Heartache
Let’s be honest! Heartache hurts, and we need corrective emotional experiences to help us heal. For many of us, self-care is pivotal in the healing process. It involves nurturing yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. This might mean engaging in activities that bring you joy, seeking support from friends and family, or simply allowing yourself time to grieve.
Self-care also means engaging in activities that are healthy for us. Setting limits is good self-care. Making wise choices is good self-care. Defending our boundaries is good self-care. Recognizing our worth and value is good self-care. Releasing unhealthy relationships is good self-care. How can we “move on” after bad relationships?
Embracing Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion
- Self-Acceptance: Recognize and accept your feelings of hurt and disappointment. Understand that feeling this way is okay and that these emotions and relationships don’t define your worth.
- Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself during this time. Healing from heartache is a process, and treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend is essential.
Sustainable Change through Values-Based Dating
While the concept of a soul mate or twin flame is appealing, focusing on building your self-worth and value is the sustainable path toward meaningful joy. Some people say that you attract what you are. This is where values-based dating comes into play. It’s about connecting with others based on shared values and mutual respect rather than superficial attractions or societal expectations. Most people date solely based on physical attraction, which is crucial in a relationship. However, we tend to become used to our partners, and we need to dig a little deeper and find
Building Identity Beyond Relationships
Our identities as wives, husbands, parents, and lovers are significant, but they are not all-encompassing. It’s essential to cultivate an identity independent of our relationships, one that is grounded in self-love and personal growth. In other words, we need to know ourselves. Knowing and loving yourself sets the tone for the healthy relationship we so greatly desire.
Finding Love in Self-Growth
While you await the love that complements you, continue to build a life filled with self-love and activities that reinforce your values. Remember, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself. When you are grounded in your worth, you become more recognizable to those who share your values. I hope this Valentine’s Day is a good one for you. Until next time, remember, you are more than enough.
The Holistic Store
While we are thinking that through, boost your connection from the inside out with our wellness supplements and supplies, check out our store for products that help you feel your best, making it easier to open up and connect on a deeper level.
