Radical Self-Love: A Valentine’s Gift to Yourself

When I was a baby 20-something-year-old feminist, I made a promise to myself: I would enjoy every year of my life. I knew I wouldn’t be young forever, and I wanted to assure myself that I would be there for myself every step of the way. Without realizing it, I was committing to radical self-acceptance. Self-care? That would come later. But I was determined to accept myself at every age, no matter what.

That commitment was tested in ways I didn’t expect. For a time, I lived in a body that the world barely noticed. I felt invisible. Strangers asked if I had kids because I had what they called a ‘mom bod’—a question that stung because I wanted children but didn’t have any. I accepted myself, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t painful. Shopping was discouraging. Social situations felt awkward. I existed in a body that the world often overlooked, and I felt the weight of that.

And if you’ve never struggled with your weight, you might assume this was all caused by laziness. The truth? I was anything but lazy. I was working hard in all the ‘important’ areas—career, responsibilities, family—but my body told a different story.

Eventually, in my late 20s, I began shifting my habits. I focused on whole foods, reduced sugar, and slowly, my body responded. But my journey wasn’t linear. I yo-yoed for years, learning firsthand how our choices shape our health. My work in herbalism and health food stores deepened that understanding. I watched people transform their well-being not through trends, but through balance—whole foods, mindful choices, and tuning into what their bodies truly needed.

I’m now in my 50s, still committed to radical self-acceptance—but now, I pair it with self-care. And let me tell you, life feels a whole lot better. I move my body daily. I exercise not for aesthetics, but for energy, mobility, and the sheer confidence of knowing I can. The ripple effect of this commitment touches everything—my emotions, my mindset, my creativity. And perhaps the biggest win? I experience little to no physical pain, which, in your 50s, is a major victory.

Does my body look better? Yes. But here’s the thing—achieving a ‘goal weight’ is not the magic solution people think it is. The body still changes, and sometimes, it’s in ways we don’t expect. But the difference now is that I trust myself. I know I am doing my best. I make choices every day that align with my well-being, and that’s what brings me confidence. Compliments are nice, but they don’t define me. Criticisms? They don’t hold the same weight. My relationship with myself is my priority.

And can I be honest? I’m incredibly proud of the consistency I’ve built. Over a year of a daily morning workout routine—it’s something I never thought I’d sustain. But here I am. And seeing what I’m capable of in one area gives me confidence in every other aspect of life.

Beyond movement, I nourish my spirit. I practice daily affirmations. I step outside every day to connect with nature, and that alone shifts everything. Nature reminds me to slow down, to breathe, to feel my emotions without judgment. It sparks awe, creativity, and perspective. It reminds me that my problems, no matter how overwhelming, exist within a vast, beautiful, complex world. That realization alone helps me calm down and show up as my best self.

So, in this month of love, I invite you to turn inward. To love yourself, radically and unapologetically. To commit to self-acceptance no matter what. To care for yourself every single day, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Because that— that —is self-love. And it will change everything.

Ready to deepen your connection with yourself and nature?

Self-love isn’t just a mindset—it’s an experience, a daily practice, a journey. If you’re craving more moments of peace, presence, and true connection, I invite you to explore the gentle, restorative practice of nature therapy.

✨ Step outside, take a breath, and rediscover the love that’s always been within you. ✨

Learn more about Nature Therapy.