Self Love

February often brings messages about love. We see it in cards, advertisements, and cultural reminders to show love to others. While these expressions can be meaningful, they can often trigger loss, grief, and sadness. This month, when thinking about love, let it  be a gentle invitation to turn inward and reflect on one of the most important forms of love — self-love.

Self-love is not about perfection, indulgence, or always feeling good about ourselves. Instead, it is about nurturing a compassionate relationship with who we are. It asks us to slow down, listen carefully, and respond to ourselves with kindness and honesty.

Have you ever paused to notice whether you are in conversation with your own heart? And how do you know if you are truly conversing with your heart?

Our hearts carry quiet truths — feelings, needs, hopes, and boundaries that guide us toward authenticity. Yet many of us have learned to silence or question these inner messages. Critical thoughts, past experiences, or external expectations can sometimes drown out our inner knowing. When this happens, it can become difficult to hear what is genuinely true for us.

Practicing self-love can begin with simple curiosity:

• Can I create a few quiet moments to listen inward?

• What might my heart be trying to tell me right now?

• Can I respond to myself with patience rather than judgment?

• What would it feel like to trust my inner voice?

If we imagine the heart as a container of truth, then learning to listen to it becomes an act of courage. Hearing our truth is often the hardest step, especially when it asks us to change, to set boundaries, or to care for ourselves in new ways. But when we begin to live in alignment with our hearts, many people find a deeper sense of clarity, connection, and meaning in their lives. As I learned to listen to my heart, I experienced a deeper connection to myself, my authenticity.

Imagine a life where you feel safe enough to live from your heart — where your choices reflect your values, your relationships honor your needs, and your inner voice feels respected and heard.

As we move through February, you might consider offering yourself small moments of stillness. Whether it's placing your hand on your heart to increase somatic awareness, or through journaling, mindful breathing, hugging yourself, quiet reflection, or gentle self-check-ins, these practices can help strengthen your connection to your inner world.

If this theme resonates with you and you would like support exploring your inner voice, self-compassion, or emotional clarity, I welcome you to reach out. Counselling can provide a supportive and safe space to explore these parts of yourself with care and curiosity.

I will also soon be offering a 6-week online practice group called Heart Speak. Together we will come together to experience and deepen heart connection to self and others. The more personal heart connection one has, the more available one is to life. If this speaks to you, reach out via my website contact form.

Wishing you gentleness, reflection, and heart-centered care this month.

Warmly,

Theresa