Fall in Love Again!

Fall in love with yourself by giving yourself the gift of travel

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to appreciate the meaningful relationships in our lives. But amidst all the chocolates, flowers, and love songs, there’s one person we often forget: ourselves.

This Valentine’s season, it’s time to fall in love with yourself again, and one of the best ways to do that is through travel. Traveling has completely transformed the relationship I have with myself. I’ve learned to love, appreciate, and value who I am and make time for self-rejuvenation. Here are some of the ways traveling has helped me in my journey toward self love:

Traveling Has Taught Me to Put Myself First

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from traveling is that it’s not only okay but important, to put myself first sometimes. During my time as a travel nurse, I spent a year in Oregon. I was far from home and completely on my own. With no one around, I had no choice but to prioritize my own wants and needs. I spent hours hiking, exploring the stunning Oregon coast, and simply falling in love–not only with Oregon but with myself too.

I visited some of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, ate the food I liked best, and stopped for cider whenever I felt like it. I learned that it’s important to pay attention to my own needs, and I came to love myself in a whole new way.

Above picture: Lincoln City Oregon

Traveling Has Increased My Self Esteem

During my time on the west coast, I was over 2,000 miles away from my friends and family. I found myself completely outside of my comfort zone and very much alone. Because of this, I fell in love with new places and experienced thrilling adventures, all with myself.

I was proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone, both in my new work assignment and by learning to thrive in a new place. This helped my self-esteem and my appreciation for myself to grow. I learned about my courage, strength, and independence in ways I never had before.

below picture: Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach Oregon

Traveling Has Taught Me to Give Myself What I Need

In ordinary life, it’s easy to stifle or ignore your own needs for the sake of putting others first. Traveling provides a unique opportunity to tune in with yourself and your needs. While I was in the Pacific Northwest, I set out on an 8-mile hike with a friend at Silver Falls State Park. I’d never done such a long hike before, and I found myself completely captivated. I fell in love with the beauty at Silver Falls and was so happy I gave myself the gift of saying yes to something I loved, even when I normally would have found a reason to say no.

Silver Falls State Park, 10 waterfalls 8 mile hike with my good friend Evelyn in Sublimity, Oregon

I also visited Lincoln City Glass Center and gave myself another gift: glass blowing. I made a glass float purely for myself because I wanted to, and it made me happy. Learning to give myself these gifts of my time and attention helped my love and appreciation for myself to grow so much.

Lincoln City Glass Company, Lincoln City, Oregon

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s Day, take the time to fall in love with yourself with the gift of travel. You’ll learn things you never knew about yourself, and your love and appreciation for who you are will grow. You’ll remember that you deserve the love and appreciation that you give so willingly to other people. When you take time for yourself, you’ll find her. Happy Valentine’s Day Darling!