As the season of love approaches, with hearts and flowers beginning to fill the air, take a moment to reflect on the most profound love story of all—the one you have with yourself. True self-love is not found in grand gestures but in the quiet, daily dedication to your own well-being. It’s a discipline that invites you to nourish your soul with the same tenderness you might offer to a beloved.

In these early days of February, as thoughts turn toward connection and affection, let your love for yourself be your guiding light. Ask yourself: Is this choice a reflection of my self-respect? Does this relationship uplift and nourish me? In embracing these questions, you cultivate a love that is steadfast and enduring—a love that grows and flourishes, not just for a single day, but for all the days to come.

Marriage is often depicted as a never-ending fairytale, but the truth is that it’s much more complex. Love isn’t always consistent, and there are times when it feels like everything but love exists between you and your spouse. The key to navigating these moments is remembering that commitment isn’t about avoiding the hard parts—it's about moving through them together, side by side. There will be days when the bond feels stretched thin, when the connection seems lost, but as you look back over the years, you’ll see that it was these very challenges that strengthened you both.

I’ve been there. 30+ years of marriage, children, loss, and illness—it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Hang in there. The storm will pass, and on the other side, there’s peace. Always remember: you are human, and that’s enough.