If you’re learning to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, I ask that you do it gently.

I ask that you dig deep into the shades of darkness that you never wanted to see while offering yourself endless compassion and forgiveness.

I ask that you take in the broken parts of yourself and cover them with warmth and comforting words.

If you’re learning to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, I ask that you take all the words of hate you’ve ever whispered to yourself and burn them to ashes in front of your eyes, vowing to leave them behind.

I ask that you reach toward every flaw and take them into your arms, providing them undying acceptance.

I ask that you speak to yourself softly, with the words you would speak to those you love and lift up.

If you’re learning to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, I ask that you let the loneliness permeate, and gently remind it you are always in the company of your own soul.

I ask that you reserve your most tender encouragement for the heart that beats inside your own chest.

I ask that you view every curve and freckle with eyes that see the beauty beneath them, the beauty of what is to come, the beauty of what has been.

I ask that you surrender to self-compassion, that you offer yourself the kindness you so readily serve to others.

If you’re learning to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, I ask that you let yourself be enough—always, in all ways.

I ask that you seek to uncover the wounds that hold you back, so you can nurture them to healing.

I ask that you care for yourself as you would a child—gently and tirelessly, and with fierce protection.

If you’re learning to love yourself this Valentine’s Day, I ask that you allow love in. Your own love. The love that will love you for the rest of your life, regardless of relationship status. The love that will carry you, through oceans and deserts, through storms and sunshine, through valleys and mountains.

I ask that you acknowledge this love, for it is the greatest you will ever know and all you will ever need.