Valentine’s Day: A Celebration of Self-Love

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day to celebrate romantic love, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all forms of love, especially the love we show ourselves. 

Whether you follow a faith or not, self-love is a universal truth, an essential foundation for living a healthy, fulfilling life. It’s the kind of love that accepts us for who we are, without judgment or the need for approval from others. This type of love is unconditional, the purest form, it is boundless and places no limits on affection. The highest form of self-love, which means we accept our flaws, forgive our mistakes, and recognize our worth, just as we are.

For those with faith, teachings like “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39) remind us that self-love is not selfish, it’s necessary. We cannot truly love and care for others if we don’t first take care of ourselves. This concept is central to many religious teachings and reflects a deep understanding of our inherent value. If we are called to love our neighbors, the foundation of that love starts with loving ourselves and seeing our worth through God’s eyes. It’s understanding that God created us wonderfully and purposefully, and we deserve love not based on perfection, but because we are His children.

And for those who may not be religious, the same principle applies, how we care for ourselves influences how we interact with the world around us. As the saying goes, “you cannot pour from an empty cup”.

Life can be challenging. We all make mistakes, have moments of doubt, and face misunderstandings with others. But self-love means accepting ourselves even when we fall short, letting go of guilt, and choosing to forgive ourselves. It’s about recognizing that everyone, no matter their background or belief system, deserves love, without conditions or judgment. We are all worthy of respect, compassion, and care. 

One of the simplest ways to practice self-love is through self-care. Taking the time to nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits; whether through meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, exercise, or creative expression helps us create a sense of balance and inner peace. When we make self-care a priority, it becomes easier to show love and kindness to others. It sets the foundation for healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.

Unconditional love is one of the most powerful forces we have. Whether you view love through a religious lens or a more spiritual or philosophical perspective, it remains a resource that is unlimited and always available to us. The act of loving ourselves fuels our ability to choose love in every moment. When we choose love over fear, anger, or doubt, we open ourselves up to more happiness, peace, and connection. This allows us to live in a world where kindness, compassion, and fulfilment are within everyone’s reach.

As Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wisely said, “If we make our goal to live a life of compassion and unconditional love, then the world will indeed become a garden where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.”

Here are some thoughtful, simple and fulfilling activities you can do to show yourself love this Valentine’s Day (or any day):

1. Self-Care Rituals

  • Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a relaxing bath, grooming session, or massage. Pampering your body is a great way to nurture yourself and show appreciation for who you are.
  • Nourish Your Body: Cook a nutritious meal or indulge in your favorite comfort food. Eating mindfully and savoring the moment is a wonderful way to show love to your body.

2. Engage in a Creative Activity

Spend time doing something you love; whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or playing an instrument. Creative expression helps you connect with your true self.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Take a few moments to meditate, breathe deeply, or reflect on your journey. Mindfulness reduces stress and helps you appreciate the present.

4. Treat Yourself to a Solo Adventure

Go on a solo date or take a short trip. Whether it’s a movie, museum visit, or scenic walk, solo experiences help you reconnect with yourself.

5. Reconnect with Nature

Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the woods. Nature has a way of grounding you and providing clarity for your mind and spirit.

6. Practice Gratitude

  • Create a Gratitude Journal: Write down things you’re grateful for, whether they’re small or big. Reflecting on the positive aspects of your life can uplift your spirit and help you appreciate where you are right now.
  • Thank Yourself: Take a moment to thank yourself for the challenges you’ve overcome, the growth you’ve experienced, and the strength you have. You are worthy of recognition.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, take a moment to appreciate and nurture the most important relationship in your life, the one you have with yourself. By embracing unconditional love and practicing self-care, you create a foundation for happiness, growth, and peace.

Written by Michelle Fonseca and Ruth Baah-Gyebi, Registered Psychotherapists

Finding Inspiration: What Keeps You Moving?

Finding Inspiration: What Keeps You Moving?

New year’s, give us opportunities to reflect and reset. Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, triumphs and challenges. At times, it’s easy to feel stuck, unsure of how to push forward. In line with Elpizo’s quest this year to use singular words to help us stay focused on this year’s resolution, our word for today is Resilience.

In valley moments, we often look to stories of resilience and triumph to remind us of the power of determination and hope. One such story is that of Jason Arday, whose remarkable journey inspires us to reflect on our own paths and the barriers we seek to overcome.

Jason Arday’s Remarkable Story

Jason Arday, a 37-year-old British Ghanaian, made history in March 2023 as the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. While his achievement is impressive on its own, the path that led him there is nothing short of extraordinary.

As a child, Jason was diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay. He could not speak until he was 11 years old and couldn’t read or write until the age of 18. Despite these challenges, Jason’s perseverance and dedication propelled him to shatter barriers. Today, he is not only a professor but also a passionate advocate for mental health, neurodiversity, and improving representation for minority groups in higher education.

Jason’s life is a testament to hard work, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Let’s use his story to provoke us to reflect on the following questions: What is holding us back? What would we achieve if we pushed through the barriers in our own lives?

Reflecting on Your Own Journey

  • What is your motivator in life? What drives you to keep going, even when the road is difficult? Perhaps it’s the desire to create a better future for yourself and your loved ones, a healthier mental-wellbeing, or maybe it’s a passion for making a difference in the world.
  • What inspires you? Is it stories like Jason’s, friends and family members, moments of kindness, the progress you see in yourself over time, a higher power?
  • What keeps you going during the valleys in life? Do you rely on your support system, your faith, therapy, accountability partner, or your inner strength to navigate through tough times?
  • What stories motivate you to keep moving? Who or what reminds you that obstacles are temporary, and that growth is possible?

Breaking Through Your Barriers

Jason’s journey encourages us to look at our own roadblocks; whether they’re external challenges, internal fears, or self-imposed limitations. Ask yourself:

  • What is my biggest roadblock?
  • What mental filters might be distorting how I view my potential?
  • How can I embrace my authentic self, unencumbered by past experiences or doubts?

The answers to these questions can guide you toward breaking through your barriers and stepping into a life that aligns with your true potential.

A Call to Persevere

Jason Arday’s life reminds us that our circumstances do not define us. Instead, it is our response to those circumstances that shapes our story. Elpizo’s therapists are equipped to support you in this quest or any other goals you have for yourself this year, let Elpizo be your accountability partner.

So, as you reflect on Jason’s story, let it fuel your determination. Identify your motivators, lean on your inspirations, and push through the valleys knowing that progress, however small is still progress.

What is your roadblock? What is your motivator? Share your thoughts with us, and let’s encourage one another to persevere and embrace the authenticity of who we are, free from the barriers that life may have placed in our way.

Ruth Baah-Gyebi is the Co-Owner of Elpizo Counselling Services and a Registered Psychotherapist. 

The Reason You Feel SAD During The Winter

The winter season is now upon us, which for some may mean a noticeable  change in our mood. With the sun setting early now and the cold weather taking over, it’s not uncommon to  experience a decrease in motivation and more frequent depressive episodes during this time.

The month of December shines light on Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as the acronym, “SAD”. This disorder is a type of depression that arises during the change in season. Most people who experience SAD feel their energy being depleted and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. On the rare occasion, people may experience depression caused by SAD during the spring or early summer months too. 

Symptoms of SAD may include:

  • Feelings of depression as the winter season progresses
  • Low energy
  • Lack of sleep or oversleeping
  • Losing interest and motivation
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss/gain
  • Sluggish and anxious feelings 
  • Suicidal thoughts

The cause of SAD may be due to the reduced level of sunlight in the fall and winter months, a decrease in serotonin levels due to the lack of sunlight, and the body’s level of melatonin becoming disrupted.

If you experience severe symptoms of SAD and do not get treated, it can possibly lead to worse problems such as:

  • Problems at work or school
  • Substance Abuse 
  • Extreme suicidal thoughts or behaviour 
  • Other mental health disorders

Light therapy, medication and psychotherapy are options of treatment you may want to look into if you’re experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Of course it is normal to have some days of feeling down, but if you feel it an overwhelming amount of times and just can’t get yourself back to normal, you should highly consider seeing a doctor or counselling service. 

Elpizo Community Connect: Navigating The Holiday Season

The Holiday Season has arrived and it is going to be unlike any other. With COVID-19 still being a hot topic, many are opting to change from their traditional routine to a new one. 

Last week on Elpizo’s Community Connect, the team came together and discussed how to navigate this holiday season. If you don’t know what to do this holiday season you should definitely take a look! 

This is our last Community Connect for the year so if you’re interested in the other topics that we cover we recommend going over to our Youtube channel to watch our other Elpizo Community Connect sessions. 

Watch the workshop below and leave us a comment on how your navigating this holiday season! 

Looking Back: November with Elpizo

Elpizo Counselling Services observed November as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Domestic Violence occurs when one person in a relationship tries to intimidate and control their partner through fear, guilt, shame or power.

 On November 10 2020, Elpizo Counselling hosted a virtual panel discussion for Domestic Violence Awareness. The event was free to join and was hosted on Facebook/Instagram Live from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST.

Watch the panel discussion here:

Elpizo’s client-centred practice provides a non-judgmental and safe space for people to process crises, trauma, challenges and to rebound from adverse experiences. Furthermore, Elpizo is making every effort to raiseawareness about abuse against women and also hosted a discussion on November 25 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

For more information, visit us on https://elpizocounselling.com/