10 Ways to Keep the Fire Burning for Yourself.

Dating Yourself, or popularly known as solo dating, is simply a love language we practice towards ourselves to make us feel cared for, heard, seen and loved by ourselves. Why? It does not matter how many times anyone else affirms their love for us, if we do not recognise love as authentic from others - it is likely because we do not know love from ourselves. Solo dating is an awesome way for anyone to determine their love languages, ways to show love to themselves, and to affirm their need and desire to be loved right.

For the last 2 years I have been big on self-loving, and this year I intend to go even bigger for me. Sooo, herein I share 12 of my suggestions for solo dates and how some can strengthen our love communications for the benefit of everyone. In my last blog post I touched on revisiting childhood joys as a way to romanticize living and once those are figured out they can be ideas used for solo dating.

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P A I N T I N G

An artwork date can take place in the comforts of your home, a well-ventilated space, painting necessities and your choice of beverage - then you are well on your way to serenity. alternatively, you can join a group of other people at a commercialised painting hub and enjoy vibes, meet people and tune to some songs. the latter might not read like a solo date idea but if you go there alone you get to enjoy a space filled with people who might have similar interests. However if you have zero interests in sharing this time with others, you can create a much similar environment for yourself.

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Try a NEW recipe.

If you cook as routine then doing it "for fun" might seem like a stretch, but if you hardly even cook or you tend to make everyday staples then going all out to make a new recipe for yourself. This self-care idea is awesome if you feel like take-out but do not really want to go then you can throw it down in restaurant kitchen. Or bake something, you might find it relaxing (although, yes it does take time) and there is great likelihood you might enjoy a new fave thereafter.

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De-clutter.

Clean spaces are more than just for the aesthetics, a clean space will literally elevate your mood and improve your headspace. Unfortunately, when one is in a funk there is nearly 0 motivation to even make the bed - this is something habit assist with. If de-cluttering is a part of your daily routine, then you will not feel like you have a mountain to move. This date idea is not fabulous but it translates really well as an act of service. If your space is invested in, you will feel safe and cared for in it. This is more than just lighting a candle, everything has energy and you will feel it. If you would like a template guideline for spreading intensive cleaning over a number of days, visit link: http://wix.to/6OuU6aV?ref=2_cl

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Art Gallery Visit.

Art is my solace, find yours and romance it. For a first-timer hitting art galleries alone might be intimidating, and if so you can go with someone but focus on making the experience enjoyable for you. Investing in experiences to improve the quality of your life is a love language where you get to spend quality time with yourself and affirm your interests.

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Try a NEW workout/sport.

While i am one of millions of people who believe physical movement should be a part of daily activities - i also understand how monotonous workouts can get. so, try something new, something you have had an interest in before but have never made time for. Remember not to be highly expectant, the goal is not always perfection but especially not in this case - the goal here is to have fun and simply try something new.

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Hair-Care.

A salon visit for some hair-care is an awesome idea because as a black girl, I constantly feel like I can do it myself and as I do it, like I can surely do with an extra pair of hands. Oftentimes, i really do do it alone and after many years of practice I am wide open to letting professionals handle my hair. The best thing about salons is that they offer more than one service, so you can have everything you need done all in one day.

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Spa It Up!

I am yet to meet someone who would forego a spa date, and I hope that I never do. Self-care Sundays have started feeling mandatory to me so an outdoor version of this popular tradition would be welcome anytime and spas tend to have more perks than long soothing baths. The whole experience would much better in a newer environment.

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Plant or Flower Shopping.

Buy Yourself Flowers, if you love them do not wait for anyone to get them for you. head over to your local florist or nursery and shop around for plants and flowers that interest you, this is actually a stellar opportunity for you to ask your guide about about plants that you see. you do not instantly have to be plant-parent you can just go there because you want to be in a space to learn about things that you love. while this date idea is centred around flowers, it does not mean that all you could get are flowers if your thing is technology, go to stores that carry devices you are interested in, ask what you would like to know and enjoy the experience.

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Fancy Restaurant Visit.

This is the alternative to trying out a new recipe at home. if the kitchen is the last place you want to be then visit your next favourite kitchen, do a restaurant hop or just pick one and enjoy a delectable mean by yourself. If this is your first time, it will get intimidating but by the end of it you will feel heightened confidence and comfort by enjoying yourself.

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Book Shopping.

Invest In Yourself! You are your biggest investment, and the returns will come. If you are not an avid reader you can start by reading short pieces like articles or short stories - or try an audio book. Essentially, being informed makes you the better version of yourself your future needs you to be and it exposes you to a better lifestyle. Go out to your nearest bookstore and look around for what might pique you - while great quality books can cost an arm-and-a leg thrifting for books is a good route to try if you are just starting out with

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I really hope you give yourself at least one of these many fulfilling treats, it does not have to be always but I hope you always believe that you are worth every good thing in your path.

Thank you for reading this far, I hope January was kind and that February is better.

a Luxe Ledi,

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