February 12, 1994, Miami
Last week, we celebrated love.❤️
I’ve always viewed Valentine’s Day with a hint of skepticism, seeing it more as a commercial holiday. Moreover, with our wedding anniversary following closely on February 12, my husband and I have always focused our celebratory energies there. But, I recognize the unique pressures Valentine’s Day can exert on those who are single.
It reminds me of a conversation with a friend in her twenties who expressed frustration after listening to another friend detail a cozy, romantic night with her boyfriend. “Keep your perfect evenings to yourself,” she half-joked, voicing a sentiment many might quietly share during this season.
I recently shared how I process the challenging emotions that arise from loss and grief. It’s a journey toward holistic well-being, a dance with the divine to accept what cannot be changed and embrace a new way forward. Here, I discovered the power of a mindful approach to emotional wellness, mainly through the RAIN method, an invaluable tool during a season that can often feel isolating.
🌧️ Let it RAIN on Your Emotional Parade:
🌟 R – Recognize your feelings. It’s vital to acknowledge what you’re feeling without judgment. Whether it’s loneliness, sadness, or even indifference, naming your emotions before God or in personal reflection is the first step to understanding them.
🌟 A – Allow those feelings to exist. This step is about permitting yourself to feel without pushing those emotions away. It’s sitting with your feelings, recognizing their presence, and understanding they are part of your current experience.
🌟 I – Investigate your feelings with a gentle, i= mindset. Invite curiosity into why you feel this way. Can a specific thought or event be triggering these emotions? This is also where you can invite Jesus into your reflection, seeking peace and understanding.
🌟 N – Nurture with kind self-compassion. This is the moment to treat yourself with the kindness and care you would offer a dear friend. This could be through soul-care practices, affirmations like “I am whole, and I am loved, exactly as I am,” or simply giving yourself the grace to be imperfect.
In applying the RAIN method, I’ve found particular solace in the nurturing phase. It’s a reminder that self-love isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for our well-being. Love comes in countless shapes and sizes, and every expression of love, especially the one we show to ourselves, is worthy of celebration. So here’s to a Valentine’s Day where we honor romantic love and the love that starts from within. Let it RAIN, and let it nurture. Love never ends.
