Your Body: What’s Love got to do with it?

My sister made a comment last week that blew me away: “I used to live from the neck up.” Her words captured perfectly how I lived for decades. I knew every inch of my face and hair, but I was shut off from the rest of me. I overate or ignored my hunger, I slept too long or not enough. I drank too much, sun-burned my skin and stuffed myself into clothes that didn’t feel good. I barely took care of my body, so how could I know it or love it? If my body was my lover, I would have been dumped years ago.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day – a day for lovers – I invite you to fall in love with your body again. Here are 3 ways get started.

Get between the sheets. Make a “bed-time” date with your body that allows you seven to eight hours of glorious sleep. You will be amazed what your body gives back – energy, clarity and joy.

Feed your body with love. Choose fresh, whole foods you adore that feel and taste great. Avoid food that makes you feel sluggish and bloated. Want chocolate? Skip the big bag of tasteless foil-covered hearts and go for the best treat you can afford. Feed yourself slowly, pleasuring every bite.

Love the skin you are in. Treat yourself to a body lotion that smells divine and feels delicious on your skin. Smooth it over your entire body – especially the areas you have ignored in the past. Make it a daily ritual – your skin will love you for it.

Falling in love can sometimes be scary – especially with a lover we have been ignoring for years. So if “love at first sight” seems too much of a leap, just flirt a little. Go on that first blind date. What have you got to lose?