Trouble with self-worth is a universal experience. You may feel like you don’t deserve to feel love or be loved. You may feel like you are not enough of something to be cared for. All of these feelings, and more, are completely normal and valid. Sometimes your brain is in the wrong mindset and you need a little push in the right direction. You are loved and cared for, whether or not you realize it. You deserve to be loved, you deserve to feel loved, and you deserve to love. Don’t let those thoughts in your brain hold you back from showing your emotions. Some things you can do to help lessen these uncomfortable feelings include: self-care, positive affirmations, showing your care for others through your love languages, and doing things you enjoy. It may seem like these aren’t enough to help you, and that could be true. If you feel like you need more help, talk to friends or family or someone else you trust that can provide you with the reassurance you need. 

Self-care is a big part of how I feel better about myself. This can include washing my face, showering, bubble baths, dressing up, doing my makeup, going out, participating in hobbies, and treating myself. If you show yourself love, usually it’s easier to show love to others as well. Self-care doesn’t have to be the only thing you do to help yourself. Positive affirmations change your perspective about yourself. Every morning, tell yourself you will have a good day. Keep that mindset steady throughout and you will see a big change in how you act and react to things. Phrases such as, “today will be good”, “I will do great on my test”, “this outfit looks cute on me”, reinforce the positive mindset. 

Some other things you can do to show yourself and others some love this Valentine’s Day is getting gifts, spending quality time, giving hugs and kisses, doing something for someone, and complimenting people. Who knows, you might make someone’s entire day so much better than they originally thought.