What can you gift yourself?
A huge heartfelt thanks to those who helped me celebrate my birthday so wonderfully by joining my Flashback Birthday Zumba parties! We had a blast dancing to some of my old favorite songs online and in-person at WAO yesterday! After nearly two and half years, this was one of the largest group classes I have taught, and the energy and enthusiasm of having so many move in unison moved me deeply!
As I look at the lovely wishes, cards and gifts I have been blessed to receive, I’ve thought a lot about what gifts I want to give MYSELF more of this year.
In recent years, Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate” has become super popular as it sets out ways that people experience feeling loved and expressing love to others . According to Chapman, we can better relate to our partners when we understand which of the following ways we value most : words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.
Leading up to my birthday, when asked what gifts I hoped to receive, it became very clear to me that while I find all of these can be important and appreciated all at times , above all else, I value quality time ( which is why I loved dancing together so much yesterday!). Knowing this is very helpful in relating to others, but perhaps I also can use it as a framework for how I can better show love to and feel loved by myself.
On any given day when I’m in need of a certain form of love , what can I gift myself?
Some ideas:
Words of affirmation: speaking kindly to myself and forgiving myself when I make mistakes
Quality time: setting aside time for hobbies, relaxation, sleep and exercise
Receiving Gifts: gifting myself a treat, a class, or something that brings joy
Acts of service: staying organized , cooking healthfully for myself, working hard on a project that matters to me
Physical touch: taking more time to stretch, use a foam roller, putting on lotion and groom
What might you add to this list? Do you know which love language is most important to you?
Again, thank you so much for all the many ways you have shown me love and support through this past year of my life! Can’t wait to keep dancing through the years with you!
xx,
Katie
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