28 days of love
28 Days of Love: A Journey TowardS Empathy and Self-Care
Welcome to February—a month where love takes center stage. But this isn’t just about Valentine’s Day roses or romantic dinners. This February, I want to challenge us all to expand our understanding of love, seeing it not only in our relationships but in family, friendships, the animals, the environment, and most importantly, within ourselves. That’s why I’m dedicating this month to 28 Days of Love—a journey to embrace love in all its forms.
What Love Truly Means
Love is one of the most profound emotions we experience, yet its meaning often gets confined to narrow definitions. Love isn’t just the grand gestures of romance; it’s found in the little things, the unspoken care, and the quiet understanding. It’s the wag of a dog’s tail when you walk in the door, the warmth of a hug from a friend, the joy of seeing plants flourish in your home, or even the satisfaction of completing a workout that was hard to begin.
Love is about connection and empathy—understanding not only your own needs but also those of the people, creatures, and world around you. Imagine how much more meaningful life would feel if we approached every day with a heart full of love and a mind open to understanding.
Lessons from January
I’ll be honest here: January wasn’t easy. Working partly in public customer service and quality management, I saw how change brought out the best—and the worst—in people. A necessary system update at work led to unfiltered feedback and often aggressive behavior, highlighting just how hard it is for some to adjust to change.
At times, I was frustrated. I wanted to ask, Why can’t they see the bigger picture? Why can’t they try to understand the effort we’ve put in to help them adjust? I empathized with their resistance to change—after all, change is hard. But what struck me most were the moments of pure ego, the narcissistic comments that said, My needs are all that matter.
Those moments left me wondering: If I can take the time to see others’ perspectives, why can’t they do the same? And then I realized—empathy is a skill, not a default setting. It’s something we can practice, cultivate, and share. Imagine how different the world could be if more people paused to see things through the eyes of others. If we could approach challenges with a mindset of love rather than fear or frustration, wouldn’t everything feel lighter?
Love Is a Light in the Dark
As we leave January behind, we move toward lighter days and the promise of spring. February invites us to lean into love. Not just the kind of love reserved for Valentine’s Day but a universal, encompassing love that begins with ourselves and radiates outward.
Here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is an essential act of love. It’s about tending to your mind, body, and spirit so you can show up fully for yourself and for others.
Take care of your body. Do the workout you’ve been putting off—not to fit someone else’s standard but to feel stronger, more capable, and alive.
Nourish yourself. Eat the food that makes you happy. Savor every bite and celebrate the act of taking care of yourself.
Embrace your passions. Book that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Read the book collecting dust on your shelf. Start the hobby that’s been calling your name.
Shift your perspective. Challenge yourself to see situations and people through the lens of love. Life feels lighter when you lead with empathy and understanding.
A Call for Love and Empathy
This February, let’s challenge ourselves to approach life with love at the forefront. Let’s start by loving ourselves so deeply that we can extend that love to others—even those who test our patience. Let’s aim to see things not just through our own eyes but through the eyes of others. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Every act of love, no matter how small, creates a ripple. Whether it’s offering a kind word, showing patience with someone struggling to adapt, or taking a moment to care for yourself, these small acts add up. They shift the energy in a room, a relationship, or even the world.
Start with Yourself
This month, make a commitment to love yourself. Start with small actions that feel good: light a candle, journal your thoughts, call a friend, or simply pause to breathe. Celebrate the little things that bring you joy. Life won’t always be easy, but with love—true, empathetic, and all-encompassing love—it can be lighter, brighter, and more meaningful.
So here’s to 28 days of love: love for yourself, love for others, and love for the world around us. Together, let’s make February a month of kindness, compassion, and connection. Let’s choose love.
How will you start your journey of love today?
Waves of love, always.
Ines
