The tradition of Valentine’s Day has become a day focused on finding that perfect valentine and asking them “Be Mine?” The “perfect” valentine is seen as someone that possesses qualities which make us love them. But how does one truly know what they love about that person or what it means to both give and receive love without first loving themselves? The term, “love yourself”, is sometimes viewed as being too full of oneself or even conceited (aka J. Biebs’ latest song). This notion has created a negative correlation with the ways in which we view ourselves, as well as the relationships we create with others.  So, is loving yourself really a bad thing? Having a positive view of oneself emerges from knowing what your strengths are and continuing to further develop those strengths. If you don’t know what you love about you, how will you know what you love about someone else? One must determine what their strengths mean for them and the ways they live their life not only individually, but also the ways in which they live and interact as a being within this world.

Healthy relationships exist when two individuals are able to grow with one another; when two individuals are able to be the best they can be. At the same time, by bringing out the best within each other, they are able to then grow together. Love is not about the need to be loved rather the need to love. When someone feels secure that they are lovable, they are able to both give and receive love. Knowing who you are as an individual and what your strengths are makes love possible. Love has infinite possibilities and exist in many forms but the most important form of love is that love we have for ourselves. In the words of Justin, “you should go and love yourself.” While looking within yourself and embracing your strengths, talents and abilities, you can also use your skills to be of service in the world. Expressing acts of kindness can range from giving out a simple hug to someone who needs it most, to leading a full-blown organization in feeding the poor; even if it’s a small or big move towards showing compassionate love, they all have the same value and feeling.

If we ask ourselves, “can we live without love or compassion?,” what would your answer be? If you really sit down and think about it, you would realize the truth behind what we have mentioned above. The two concepts of love and compassion play a major part in our endless-seeking purpose of life. There is a very famous saying by the intellectual Dalai Lama stating, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” The elements of love and compassion gives us meaning to live and whether we give or receive the love, it would most likely result in a win-win situation. Overall, whether it is Valentine’s Day or not, I promise you this: practicing love and compassion daily, towards yourself or onto others, will have a huge positive impact on your physical and mental well-being, allowing you to become a more holistic and compassionately lovable  YOU.