What better time is there to treat yourself to some self-love than Valentines?  I began with some new bras and a selection of professional chef’s knives earlier this month.  Now that may seem like an odd combination, although for me it’s a triumph of need and both with a similar goal in mind.  You’ll know already how much I value a good bra, especially those providing a pop of colour to cheer my day.  Over the years, they’ve become part of my personal brand, not that you’ll see much more than the occasional glimpse of a coloured strap.

Some of you will be familiar with Blackbirds, bras and baking my first celebration of these wonderful garments and my favourite blackbirds.  And you may remember mention of, Victoria’s Little Bra Shop in Dorking, Surrey.  No surprises then that my recent weight loss found me phoning Victoria.  Well, who wouldn’t want one of those flamingo-coloured beauties in the right size?  I’m ashamed to say that I’d mastered the art of overstretched elastic until quite recently, when the healthy eating ambitions began to kick in.  By some strange coincidence, just as I was in dire need of some reinforcement, Victoria’s email popped into my inbox with a promise of some fabulous new colours for Spring.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

By now you may be wondering about the new knives.  Again, these are linked to my healthy ambitions.  The eating regime I’ve selected is brutal, and portion control is everything.  I’m a big fan of Jamie Oliver’s measuring style.  And for the uninitiated, he works in handfuls and glugs rather than precisely monitored weights and volumes.  So, it’s completely out of character to find me in the kitchen with my electronic scales and millilitres.  But needs must, as the saying goes.

I know exactly how many grams there are in those supermarket salad bags.  How sad am I?  I prefer “real lettuce” without the chlorine and plastic, but I simply can’t take weighing lettuce or rocket seriously.  By now you may have you guessed how the new knives have come into their own?  For someone who’s destined to weigh their tomatoes, thin slices are key to success.  And I’ve taken cucumber slices to new heights.  How did I ever manage without that serrated beauty?

So, you see my potentially materialistic approach to self-love is far more about a healthy approach to eating and taking care of myself, than it is about possessions.  I love a good declutter and this morning a good friend sent me a wonderfully apt image with the phrase, “I’m letting go of everything that slows my growth and I’m choosing myself”.  I’m unsure of the author of this phrase, although I love the sentiment (the accompanying illustration is by Harmony Willow).  For me, although counter-intuitive, carrying excess weight “slows my growth” as well as my agility.  That’s why I’ve chosen myself and created my journal of ambitions.

I realise that not everyone reading this will dream of professional quality knives, artistic cucumber or tomato slivers, or even flamingo-coloured bras, although it’s my guess that you’ll have some idea of how to celebrate self-love.  Here are my top 10 ideas which may help you. Why not give them a try and let’s talk about how you got on?

·       Take a walk by the sea or in the countryside

·       Forage for delicacies like mushrooms and nettles

·       Display foliage and fresh flowers from your outdoor adventures

·       Send yourself a Valentine’s message detailing what you love most

·       Give yourself a gift of time – take 15 minutes out of your busy day

·       Make a cuppa and sink into a comfy chair – refresh, recharge, regroup

·       Throw out those over-stretched bras or over-washed socks

·       Invest in yourself (every single time)

·       Look in the mirror and give yourself a hug

·       Remember to celebrate your successes